A Sussex House Food writing and reading retreats with Food Editor, Gilly Smith
Brighton Changemakers
Benita Matofska meets Jenny Linton, founder of Head to the Sky, an inclusive social enterprise supporting people to share their stories using the power of film
Who are you? I’ m the Director of Head to the Sky CIC and a Senior Lecturer in Film at the University of Brighton. I use my extensive background in television production to help people from all backgrounds tell their stories through film and creative projects. What do you do and how do you do it? I run workshops, make films, and create spaces where people, often from backgrounds underrepresented in the media, can share their own unique story. We combine practical skills like filming and editing with trust, collaboration, and creativity, so each project feels authentic to the people involved. We offer three levels of engagement, from one-off workshops to immersive sixweek programmes, so that different community groups can access our work in a way that suits their needs, budget, and capacity. Through storytelling and filming workshops, we work together to bring those stories to life with cameras, sound, and editing, but also with trust, care, and a bit of fun along the way. Why do you do it? Because I know what it’ s like to feel invisible, and I don’ t want anyone else to feel that way. In the world we’ re living in right now, it’ s so important to understand how much power our stories have; they shape how we see ourselves, how others see us, and how we connect as humans. What’ s your mission? My mission is to create safe, inclusive spaces where people feel able to speak openly about their background, free from judgment or exclusion. I help people tell their stories in their own words and style, and support them to share these stories to shift how people think, feel and relate to each other. What difference do you hope to make? Participant feedback has already shown that people leave the programmes feeling more empowered, with a greater sense of self-worth and belonging, and a deeper appreciation of other cultures. I hope to continue building on this, so that participants walk away feeling seen, valued and confident, and audiences come away seeing the world a little differently. If you could achieve anything in the next 5 years, what would it be? To take Head to the Sky to more communities across the UK and beyond, and to build partnerships that help more people tell their stories on their own terms. I’ d also love to create a global showcase where people can watch and connect with each other’ s work. Do you identify as a Changemaker? A changemaker sees something that needs to change and actually does something about it. I do identify as one, because my work uses storytelling to help shift perspectives and build connections. Describe the world you want to create A world where people from all backgrounds feel safe, heard and empowered. Where storytelling is as natural as sharing a meal,
and where our experiences are welcomed with curiosity and respect. A society where diverse cultural identities are celebrated and underrepresented voices are visible in public life and the media. Every voice is heard and every story matters. How can people find out more? Instagram: Head To The Sky Website: https:// headtothesky. uk / Email: hello @ headtothesky. uk. I’ m always happy to chat about ideas, collaborations, and upcoming workshops.
l Benita Matofska is a speaker, writer, sustainability specialist and author of Generation Share. If you know a Brighton( OK, or Hove) Changemaker, let us know. You can book Benita to speak at your event at benita @ benitamatofska. com
A Sussex House Food writing and reading retreats with Food Editor, Gilly Smith
A stunning rural retreat location, event space and house rental for up to 18. It’ s a blank canvas for painting your dreams. With six double bedrooms and another three in the barn, ten acres of wildflower meadow, two ponds and its own private woodland, A Sussex House is a unique and cosy home from home.
A Sussex House is a tranquil, thoughtful place where a community of creative and inspiring people come together to make real change in their worlds.
Next Food Writing Retreat: October 20-22 Next Reading Retreat: October 24-26
Contact Gilly Smith gilly @ gillysmith. com asussexhouse. org