FAQs

We currently provide services in aged care residences in metropolitan Melbourne and some parts of regional Victoria (Geelong and Kyneton area).  We continue to expand our regional reach.

If you do not fall within our current scope, we have a list of some alternative options to create a biography.

Our service is provided to people living in aged care residences who are able to relate their memories and life stories to our volunteer biographers for one hour per week.

We do not offer an in-home service. See the question above for alternative options if you are not in aged care.

Yes. Our team of passionate volunteers believe in the importance of storytelling, and the benefits this provides.  Our services are provided to eligible participants at no charge. Donations are most welcome!

As a small not-for-profit organisation, we thank valued supporters for their contribution. 

We welcome and work with strategic partners and funders who are aligned to our cause, and sponsorship ranging from aged care facilities, philanthropic trusts, government grants, donors and business. We welcome individual donations, volunteers and supporters who would like to contribute to this important service.

The storyteller determines who can have access to the final publication. During the first session storytellers are asked to nominate their level of chosen access to the final document.

It is not a journalistic interview – it is the storyteller who directs what they want to say and write. Stories are recorded in the person’s own words and in their own unique way.

It is not a series of counselling sessions – Beyond Words isn’t for everyone – in order to access the service a storyteller must be assessed as suitable.

It is not a conversation in the conventional sense – but a process whereby one person’s life story is communicated first verbally, then on paper.

From start to finish, the average is about 4-5 months. Our volunteer visits for a one hour session each week for approximately 8 weeks. After the visits are completed, the biography is finalised by the volunteer, then reviewed by the editing team. The biography is then printed and a time is organised to present the biography to the storyteller.

It is the storyteller’s choice, but most decide to have a small gathering of family and friends at which the biography is presented to them by their biographer.

Beyond Words creates a safe space for clients to reflect on their life experiences and its various meanings. Due to the nature of storytelling, often things are expressed during sessions which the storyteller may not want printed in the final document. As it is the storyteller’s story, draft material is deleted and the storyteller decides what goes into the final publication through a read through each week of the previous week’s recording.

Yes, both up to date covid and flu vaccinations need to be provided based on the aged care residence policy.

An average 4-5 hours per week for recording and transcription/editing, plus travel time. We try to place our volunteers within half an hour’s drive of their storyteller. Regional volunteers may require additional travel time.

Total elapsed time from start date to presentation averages 4-5 months.

We require our volunteers to commit to completing one to two biographies each year. We also ask for a minimum two-year commitment to volunteering due to our training investment in our volunteers. 

If we have not worked with you before, you are advised to contact us first to ensure we have biographers in your area. Please find further information on our processes here.

If you are already working with us, please complete the online referral form and we will be in touch as soon as possible.

All storytellers note who can receive a copy of their biography after it has been completed. Please email info@thebiographyprogram.org.au with your request, stating your relationship to the storyteller.