Wind Phones breeze into Bournemouth

The Bournemouth Writing Festival has created a unique project that encourages people to share memories, hopes, gratitude and even good news is set to arrive in Bournemouth and across Dorset.

We've launched the Wind Phone Project, with plans to create a series of pop-up Wind Phones in locations, venues, festivals, events and local businesses throughout Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and beyond.

Unlike a traditional telephone, a Wind Phone is not connected to a phone line. Instead, it offers people to pick up the receiver and have a one-sided conversation which they couldn’t normally have - whether to a loved one, someone who has passed, a missed friend, a pet, their younger self or simply themselves.

Wind Phones originated in Japan and have since appeared around the world as places for reflection, remembrance and emotional expression to connect with loved ones who have died.

But we will adopt a borader approach.

As well as helping people remember those they have lost, the phones will also encourage people to share positive memories, celebrate good news, express gratitude, work through challenges or simply take a moment away from the pressures of everyday life.

Festival Director Dominic Wong said: "Words are incredibly powerful, but so often the things that matter most stay locked away in our heads.

"I noticed during our free writing workshops for people with dementia that they had fantastic stories but were unable to write them down. The Wind Phone gives people permission to say those words out loud.

"This is a vital component of the festival’s ethos to support people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to get words out of their head and into the world.”

Two wind phones will be placed in several community locations in June and July for anyone to use for free.

The Bournemouth Writing Festival is now seeking donations, locations, sponsors and partners to help bring the project to more venues.

Community groups, charities, businesses, care homes, schools and local organisations will also be able to commission bespoke Wind Phones for their own sites or loan the festival’s phones.

Anyone interested in supporting the project, donating, sponsoring or offering a location can find out more at https://www.bournemouthwritingfestival.co.uk/wind-phones-in-bournemouth.