At Overhear, we believe in the power of storytelling to unite communities and preserve local histories. Our Soho Settlers project, in collaboration with the Birmingham 2022 Festival, is a shining example of how we bring this vision to life.

Engaging the Handsworth Community

The Soho Settlers project aimed to capture and celebrate the migrant stories of Handsworth, Birmingham. Through a series of listening workshops with residents, community groups, and business owners, we gathered a rich tapestry of personal narratives. Local poets then transformed these stories into unique poems, capturing the essence of each experience.

Audio Storytelling in Action

Using the Overhear app, we pinned these audio stories and poems to specific locations along the Soho Road. This allowed listeners to explore the area and hear these stories in the exact locations where they took place, creating an immersive and deeply personal experience.

The Impact

The response to the Soho Settlers project has been overwhelmingly positive. Residents felt a renewed sense of pride and connection to their community, and listeners gained a deeper understanding of the rich cultural history of Handsworth. By bringing these stories to life, Overhear continues to fulfill its mission of making local histories accessible and engaging for everyone.

Join us on this journey of discovery and listen to the stories of the Soho Settlers on the Overhear app today.