Nelly smiles, sitting on a white sofa in a garden.

Without Silence

Share your story

Share your story on film, for free. Directed By You is our series for disabled people, and it is the one open at the moment.

It is voluntary, you decide what you share, and you can stop at any time.

Apply to take part Download the participant agreement (PDF)

A note from Josh

Directed by You is a free storytelling project that I run in my own time.

I’m putting my time, skills and resources into the project from reviewing applications and supporting contributors, to helping with the filming process, editing and publishing the finished stories. I’m doing this because I want to help as many people as possible share their experiences, raise awareness and help others better understand disability.

By submitting an application, please understand that this does not guarantee that your story will be selected, filmed or published.

I cannot promise to include every story I receive, but I will personally review applications and do my best to include as many as I realistically can.

I expect to receive a large number of applications, so unfortunately I may not be able to respond to everyone individually and may have to pause or close the application process. If you don’t hear back, please don’t feel that you’ve been ignored, it simply means I haven’t been able to get back to everyone.

If your story is selected, I’ll contact you to discuss the project, explain how the process works and talk you through the next steps. Before your story is filmed or published, you’ll be given clear information about how your contribution may be used and asked to provide the appropriate permissions and consent.

Taking part is completely voluntary, and you should only share what you feel comfortable sharing.

Thank you for considering sharing your story with Without Silence.

Josh

Who this is for

Directed By You is a disability-focused series that gives disabled people the opportunity to share their stories, in their own words.

It’s about experiences that are often misunderstood, overlooked or rarely heard, but deserve to be seen and understood. By sharing your story, you can challenge stereotypes, break down barriers and help others feel less alone.

You don’t need to be comfortable on camera or have the perfect words to describe your experiences. Whether you want to talk about your disability, your journey to diagnosis, the challenges you’ve faced or what you wish people understood about your life, your story matters.

Don’t have a disability but have a story to tell? Keep an eye out. More opportunities to share your story will be available in the future. Follow Without Silence to hear about new series:

Every story is different. Every voice deserves to be heard.

Stories already told

These films were made the way we would work with you.

Josh Westover and James sit on a bench and talk.

The Colours of Us

Neurodivergent people talk about stigma, judgement and daily life.

Watch the film

Walking for a Smile

Peter Woods tells his story after years of trauma and neglect.

About the film

In production

Josh Westover and Nelly walk out of the trees on a wooden footbridge.

Climbing Your Mountain

Mental health, grief, trauma and loss.

Follow the film

What happens, step by step

You apply. Tell us a little about you and what you want to say. Short is fine.
We talk. A relaxed conversation, no camera. You ask questions. You can bring someone with you.
You sign a declaration. It explains what you agree to, and how you can change your mind.
We film. At a place and pace that suits you. Breaks any time.
We edit. Josh edits the film and keeps editorial control. The aim is to represent you fairly.
We publish. Before publication you can ask us not to publish, and Josh will consider it in good faith. After publication, copies elsewhere cannot be recalled.

Apply

Your name Your email We only use it to reply to you. Tell us a little about your story A few lines is enough. Leave out anything you are not ready to share. Anything that would make this easier for you? For example access needs, a support person, or the time of day. I confirm that I have read and understood the information above on this page (declaration), I am 18 years of age or older, and I agree to Without Silence collecting and securely storing the information I submit. I understand that submitting my story does not guarantee a response, interview or inclusion in any Without Silence project.

Your application is sent to us by email and is not stored on this website. It is kept securely in our private mailbox. See privacy. If a form is hard for you, email submission@withoutsilence.com instead.

Does it cost anything?

No. Directed By You is free. Josh runs it in his own time.

Can I stay anonymous?

Maybe. We can talk about filming in silhouette, changing your voice, or not showing your face.

What if I change my mind?

You can stop at any time during filming. Before publication you can ask us not to publish, and Josh will consider it in good faith. After publication, complete withdrawal may not be possible because of copies and reposts.

Will I see the film before it goes out?

No. Josh does not share a version before publication, because he cannot do that for every story. You decide what you share before and during filming, and you can stop at any time.

Want a film made professionally?

That is a separate, paid service for individuals, families, charities and organisations. See Work with Josh. It is kept apart from the free series so there is no confusion about what you are applying for.