24 Hours in Isolation

Giving voice to the untold stories of isolation. Before "self isolation" and "social distancing", there was already an epidemic of loneliness in British society. It is most acute in North East England, where 53% of adults feel lonely. It's time we told their stories. Musicians, poets, producers, writers and comedians from the region have united to create an unprecedented 24hour audio experience that does just that. Our artists produced nearly 30 stories. Each introducing a different person. Some you'll recognise, some you'll meet for the first time. They're short because a good story can connect with you in just a few minutes, just as you can connect with another human in the time it takes a kettle to boil.The stories were released in 24 episodes of music, drama and poetry on the 21st June. From the 25th June you can also hear them in a specially produced single collection - subscribe now to get it direct to your podcast service.In the couple of days after the initial release over 2000 people listened to the stories we created. The number keeps rising. We want to thank you for your support. We want to keep the stories flowing, the human connections growing.That's why one of our producers, Sky Hawkins, has decided to share her haiku diary with the 24 Hours in Isolation audience. _________________ and, just like that, the world changedHow will we remember what happened in 2020? What happened to us, what happened to you, what happened to me?Sky Hawkins kept a journal of drawings and haikus between the 23rd March and 15th June. Often created on successive days, her poems are a frank, emotional and occasionally sweary reflection on what happens to humanity in unprecedented times.This is a personal history of the Covid19 pandemic and the social upheavals that came after, with a specially created soundscape capturing the changing moods of isolation. Originally intended for publication elsewhere, Sky wanted to give her poems to the 24 Hours in Isolation project in recognition of the work of other artists on the original 24 episodes and in thanks to the many who have listened so far.Together we will beat loneliness.______________ and, just like that, the whole world changed - the team Written and performed by Sky HawkinsProduced by Ben Dickenson  A poetry film including all of Sky’s pictures and paintings from lockdown will be available in July 2020 on YouTube.Follow us on Twitter: @24_isolation

In music, spoken word and drama, these are the untold experiences of isolation.Before Covid19, before "self isolation" and "social distancing", there was already an epidemic of loneliness in British society. It is most acute in North East England, where 53% of adults feel lonely. It's time we told their stories. Musicians, poets, producers, writers and comedians from the region have united to create an unprecedented 24hour audio experience that does just that.A new story will arrive on this page every hour, on the hour, from midnight on 21st June 2020. Each will introduce you to a different person. Some you'll recognise, some you'll meet for the first time.Our episodes are short because a good story can connect with you in just a few minutes, just as you can connect with another human in the time it takes a kettle to boil. Make a cuppa, press play and join us in breaking down the walls of isolation.Together we will beat loneliness._________________Episode 2310pm: griefHow do the ones who care for us cope? How do they break the hardest of news? In the garden, with the Labradoodle, the ball goes back and forth.An audio drama, written by Rachel Burns and performed by Ben Dickenson._________________Production teamProducer: Ben DickensonAssociate producer: Sky HawkinsSound supervisor: Matt TuckeyAll episodes have been recorded by artists and performers in their own homes.Follow us on Twitter: @24_isolation

In music, spoken word and drama, these are the untold experiences of isolation.Before Covid19, before "self isolation" and "social distancing", there was already an epidemic of loneliness in British society. It is most acute in North East England, where 53% of adults feel lonely. It's time we told their stories. Musicians, poets, producers, writers and comedians from the region have united to create an unprecedented 24hour audio experience that does just that.A new story will arrive on this page every hour, on the hour, from midnight on 21st June 2020. Each will introduce you to a different person. Some you'll recognise, some you'll meet for the first time.Our episodes are short because a good story can connect with you in just a few minutes, just as you can connect with another human in the time it takes a kettle to boil. Make a cuppa, press play and join us in breaking down the walls of isolation.Together we will beat loneliness._________________Episode 219pm: another bottle of wine"Remember that song in France, 1988?" White wine! Red wine! It's quarantini time. A riotous drunk moment of joy and sadness.An audio drama, written and performed by Viv Wiggins._________________Production teamProducer: Ben DickensonAssociate producer: Sky HawkinsSound supervisor: Matt TuckeyAll episodes have been recorded by artists and performers in their own homes.Follow us on Twitter: @24_isolation