Tricky Friends
Norfolk Safeguarding Adults Board
'Tricky Friends' are people who exploit the loneliness and isolation of people with learning disabilities and/or autism for money, accommodation, drugs, or worse, are a serious issue in the UK. Reading the case studies for this social care animation was really difficult as some of the stories were extremely harrowing.
The brief
Norfolk Safeguarding Adults Board wanted a creative digital film to inspire some real change, but they also wanted to make sure that we didn't damage any existing positive relationships that people might already have. Using animation instead of live-action footage helped keep the tone light without damaging the credibility of the subject matter.
We worked with Norfolk Safeguarding Adults Board and several experts-by-experience to create this animation. A good balance was to encourage people to have boundaries, keep asking questions and keep talking to their loved ones and carers whether their friends make them feel uncomfortable or wonderful.
Who is it aimed at?
The film is only three minutes long and can be used with or by anyone – carers, family, organisations, groups – to start conversations, bring up key questions and ultimately, prevent a whole lot of heartache and pain.
The success of the film
The film received lots of positive attention and feedback and other Safeguarding Adults boards across the UK began to ask Norwich if they could create their own versions with their own contact details. So far, over 40 organisations have had their own version of Tricky Friends created, and it has been translated into several languages. Versions include a BSL-signed version and a version that more accurately reflects the diversity within specific local areas such as Newham.
If you are interested in a version of this film, edited to include the contact details for your Safeguarding Adults Board or organisation, please contact info@CCAnimationStudio.co.uk and we can put you in contact with the team in Norfolk.
BSL signed version
Youth version
Examples of versions created for other organisations
Testimonial
“With a difficult conversation like the exploitation, county lines and cuckooing of vulnerable people, it was vital that we choose an animation company that was happy to work with service users ideas and feedback. CC Animation Studio worked closely with us to create an animation that was inclusive and empathetic, and helped us to find the perfect balance between providing awareness without disturbing existing friendships and peace of mind!
We could not be happier with the result. The animation has been very well received and has done just what we hoped it would; start conversations about the issues and keep them safer while enjoying friendships. We could not have achieved this without CC Animation Studio!”
Walter Lloyd-Smith
Norfolk Safeguarding Adults Board Manager | Business Lead
Adult Social Services