Every project starts with an idea—a vision for change, a story to tell, or an issue that needs to be seen and understood. Some of our projects are in full swing, others are still in development, and sadly, some may never happen due to lack of funding. But the hardest part of any project isn’t securing funding or finding the right collaborators—it’s taking that first step.
Writing your ideas down, making a plan, and setting the wheels in motion is what turns ideas into reality. Without that first step, a project will never happen. Without a plan, you can’t ask people to work with you, and you can’t approach funders with confidence. They need to see your vision, understand why it matters, and know that you’ve done the research to make it happen. A well-thought-out plan shows commitment, clarity, and a real strategy for impact.
Most of our ideas don’t come out of nowhere—they come from conversations. They are often sparked by the people we work with, the stories we hear, and the lessons learned from past projects. One project leads to another, creating a continuous cycle of discovery and action.
This is why we continue to develop new projects, push forward with our ideas, and seek out ways to bring them to life. Because every story deserves a chance to be told, and every project has the potential to make a difference. But it all starts with that first step.
Every successful project starts with a plan. Without structure, even the best ideas remain just that—ideas. Planning is what transforms a vision into something real, something that can be shared, developed, and ultimately, delivered.
The first step is to define the purpose of the project. What is the issue being addressed? Who does it affect? What impact do you want to make? Answering these questions provides a foundation and ensures the project has a clear direction.
Next comes research and development. This involves gathering information, speaking with people who have lived experience, and understanding what has already been done. Good research not only strengthens the project but also helps when applying for funding or seeking collaboration. Funders and partners need to see that you’ve done your homework and that your idea is backed by facts, feasibility, and a well-thought-out plan.
Once the groundwork is laid, it’s time to map out the project. This means setting objectives, deciding on timelines, identifying key stakeholders, and planning resources. It’s crucial to be realistic—knowing what is achievable and within what timeframe. Without this structure, a project can quickly lose momentum.
Collaboration is also key. Many of our ideas come from conversations, often sparked by previous projects. The best projects evolve through discussion, gaining new perspectives and partnerships along the way. Identifying who can help, whether organisations, individuals, or venues, is a crucial step in making an idea work.
Not every project we share will become a reality—some are still in the early planning stages, others are seeking funding, and some have already started. But we share them because there may be someone out there, even you, who could help make it happen.
Ideas need champions. A project that seems impossible today might become a reality tomorrow with the right support, funding, or collaboration. By sharing our ideas, we open the door to new possibilities, new partnerships, and new opportunities to create impact.
Planning may take time, but without it, projects won’t happen. A well-planned project has the power to create real change—because once an idea is structured, supported, and shared, it becomes something people can believe in, invest in, and act upon.
A great idea means nothing without a plan.
Planning turns vision into action, builds trust, and creates the foundation for real change.
If you see a project that inspires you, get in touch! Every project we share is at a different stage—some are still in planning, some are seeking funding, and others are already underway. But no matter where a project stands, the right support, collaboration, or opportunity can make all the difference.
You might have a skill, a resource, or a connection that could help bring a project to life. Whether you’re an individual, an organisation, or someone who simply believes in the power of storytelling and change, we’d love to hear from you.
Your involvement could be the missing piece that makes an idea a reality. Let’s work together to create something meaningful. Get in touch today!
A storytelling and photography project celebrating Buckinghamshire’s volunteers. Created by The Narrator’s Lens CIC in partnership with the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire to share real stories and inspire community action.
A woman sits by the window, light catching her face as she clutches a faded photograph, her fingers tracing the outlines of faces she no longer remembers. A son gently rests his hand on his father’s shoulder, sharing a moment of connection despite the silence between them. A caregiver kneels beside an elderly man, his smile uncertain yet full of warmth as she speaks to him.
A powerful and thought-provoking project that reimagines rough sleepers’ living spaces as estate agent listings. By presenting doorways, underpasses, and hidden corners in the familiar format of property advertisements, the project challenges public perceptions of homelessness. It raises awareness of the harsh realities faced by thousands of people across the UK, sparking conversation and calling for meaningful change. Through exhibitions, online galleries, and estate agent window displays, Homeless Listings asks viewers a simple yet confronting question: Would you call this home?
A scuffed trainer, its sole barely clinging on. A pair of school shoes, polished once but now dulled by rain and rough pavements. A boot with laces tied together, too big for the feet inside. Every step tells a story.
A quiet room, the hum of a fan, the gentle weight of a weighted blanket—these small details may seem insignificant, but for an autistic adult, they can be the difference between comfort and distress. Imagine navigating a world that often feels overwhelming, where social expectations are unspoken and sensory experiences
We turn real stories and research into action, raising awareness and driving change through photography and community-led projects. Your support helps us make a lasting impact.
If you would like to work with us in any way or simply have a chat, please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.
We have changed our name back to The Narrator’s Lens, but we are still the Christopher James Hall Foundation—just under a new name. Our mission and values remain the same, and we continue to create impactful projects, raise awareness, and drive change.
This rebrand is part of our journey towards becoming a charity, allowing us to expand our reach and make an even greater difference. While our name has changed, our commitment to amplifying voices and making a lasting impact remains as strong as ever.
Your support can make a real difference. People like Krystoff have powerful stories that deserve to be heard, and with your donation, we can continue to give them a platform. Every contribution helps us create exhibitions, amplify voices, and drive change. Donate today and be part of the movement.