Project background

We worked in collaboration with members of the team at Alström Syndrome UK and a group the young people living with rare genetic conditions that they support, to create this explainer animation all about T-KASH (Transition – Knowledge and Skills in Healthcare).

The aims of this film are to provide staff working with young people with an educational tool to help them support and improve young people’s transition in healthcare from children's to adult services, as well as providing a greater insight into the areas of young people’s lives that T-KASH supports, from supporting young people applying for apprenticeships or college, to promoting things like healthy eating and exercise, to being safe online.

Creating the animation

The scripting process

Throughout the creative process, it was paramount that the voices of the young people behind this animation were heard.

During the scripting process, Dann worked with the team at Alström Syndrome UK to ensure the script felt appropriate and relatable to young people, using colloquial language and a relaxed tone to make the script feel genuinely authentic to the children and young adults who had influenced it.

This was furthered by the use of young people as the voiceover artists, creating an engaging sound that both complemented the on-screen images and brought the words of the young people to life.

The animation process

The lived experience of the young people with whom Alström Syndrome UK works also played a huge role in influencing the on-screen imagery included in the animation.

The use of real-life examples such as ‘learning to drive,’ ‘travelling’ and ‘being in a band’ as representations of a young person’s hopes and dreams had all been suggested by the young people themselves. This attention to detail here, and throughout the final film, furthers the realism of the animation and creates a more accurate representation of what really matters to young people living with a rare genetic condition.

Post-launch

Since the film’s launch, we’ve received some great feedback from the client. Both the T-KASH film and the imagery within it have been used as part of a suite of educational resources, including a guide booklet specifically designed for young people.

The film was also nominated for the Smiley Charity Film Awards, where the animation was shortlisted as a finalist! As well as being a fantastic achievement for all involved, the awards also generated an additional 126,000 views of the film and over 2,800 visits to the ASUK website.

Further information

For free resources to support young people, their families, and healthcare professionals in the transition journey, visit breaking-down-barriers.org.uk/t-kash-transition-tools