Hugs

Written by Judith Johnson / Performed by Bella Hamblin / Directed by Nigel Townsend

Meet Mandy

Mandy has diabetes. She is Ollie’s neighbour he’s encouraging her to face her fears about catching COVID-19. Mandy wants to be able to hug her children without fear of catching COVID. She needs to be brave and consider taking part in a vaccine trial.

Do you know anyone like Mandy?
How could you help them confront their vaccine hesitancy?
Meet Ollie

Tags: Vaccine Hesitancy, Covid 19, Bubble, vaccine trial, hugs, Obesity, social distancing, mental well being , Bella Hamblin, Judith Johnson

Downloads

Script

Extracts

Socially distancing my own offspring

My baby, I say baby, she’s 21, she came in the other night, fresh from the outdoor pub, she said ‘I luv you Mother, you daft old cow,’ launched herself into me arms, then burst into tears. She was having a bit of trouble in her love life. She didn’t notice me leaning to the side and turning me head away, she didn’t see me trying not to breathe. Socially distancing me own offspring, that’s what I’m doing.

My Boy said he would take the vaccine

My boy, he said he would participate in a vaccine trial it, but he also said actually Mum, it’s people like you they need most, people who wouldn’t normally do a trial. ‘People like me.’ He meant terrified middle-aged women with diabetes and a 20 a day habit.

I told Ollie

I told Ollie about not wanting to hug the kids. He said, I’m not a big one for hugs meself Mandy, but if you did this trial, if the vaccine worked, you could hug your kids all you like couldn’t you? Because you’d be immune.

Playwright Judith Johnson talks about Hugs

These digital drama’s are fictional pieces commissioned by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and produced in collaboration with Leeds university. The content of each film is an artistic interpretation based on authentic patient voices and therefore, the views expressed are not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care or the collaborating organisations.