RNLI in a Box

Catherine developed and produced 'RNLI in a Box’ - an interpretation toolkit - for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), to raise awareness of the charity and engage the public in its lifesaving work.  The box tells the themed story of the RNLI through object handling and interactive activities.

Designed to be used with adults and children, the box includes every day objects as well as bespoke manufactured items. The aim was to raise awareness about key RNLI messages, but to also evoke a real appreciation of what it is like to be a crew member - the stresses, the training and the personal skills. Some of the box's objects include:

• Little crew kit – a dress up for children
• Wooden dice - to help people make safe choices by the seaside
• Feely bag - an exploration of the volunteer crews
• Cork and kapok samples to explore development of lifejackets
• Sounds of RNLI CD - sounds to help create an atmosphere of rescuing people in rough weather

RNLI staff and volunteer comments:

“I love the box with its endless possibilities”

“It adapted wonderfully to all age groups”

“Interaction with the public was good and the added interest was noticeable”

“It made an immediate impact which was an exciting platform to work from."

Catherine trialled the box at four different locations for 10 months before rolling out 27 boxes throughout the RNLI's nine regions. As part of this roll-out, she trained over 90 volunteers and staff around the UK and Ireland.