Project background

We worked with members of the team at Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust (CLCH) Post-COVID Services to create this animation all about Long COVID and the support the service offers to those living with the condition.

The aims of the animation were to offer insight into the symptoms of Long COVID (including some of the lesser-known conditions like muscle aches, an upset stomach and brain fog), as well as the key aim of tackling health inequalities within the borough area.

The team came to CC Animation Studio wanting to create an accessible, informative film that uses the power of visual storytelling in order to break down barriers to healthcare for members of the community, who may be less likely to use their services regularly.

Creating the animation

One of the biggest barriers to healthcare identified by Imperial College London’s research was language barriers. As a result, it was of paramount importance to ensure that the final animation used limited amounts of on-screen text, the script was free from lots of clinical jargon, and the on-screen visuals were clear and easy to decipher.

Artist Rosie worked alongside the team at CLCH to create icons to accompany the characters on screen that were representative of the different symptoms connected to Long COVID. For example, a depleted battery to represent ‘fatigue’ is a symbol that is recognisable and relatable regardless of the language the viewer speaks.

Breaking down language barriers

To further the reach of the animation, and increase the levels of accessibility even more, the animation has been translated into Polish, Romanian, Gujarati, Turkish, Arabic and BSL, ensuring that audience members of multiple languages, cultures and abilities have been considered and will be able to access the information and the services they need to feel supported whilst living with Long COVID.

Post-launch results

Feedback from the client detailed that there had been a 50% increase in referral numbers to access the service within a six-month period after the launch of the video – a fantastic result that really shows the power and importance of making sure information is accessible to all, as well has highlighting the unique ability of explainer animations as a vessel for such information.

We were also thrilled to receive the news that the animation had been nominated and shortlisted for a prestigious HSJ Patient Safety Award.

To add to that, Manka Patel, Northwest London Post-COVID Service Manager, provided us with some wonderful feedback once the project was completed:

“The FABULOUS dream team… Dann-Danielle-Rosie-Tom and the rest of the wonderful team. I can not express how thankful we were for their patience, inclusiveness, guidance and for really listening to what we wanted and making it happen! Their vision, direction and support are on point for every detail of this journey! Thank you so much! I hope to work with you all again!”