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Case study

Telling the stories behind the scars

Organisation type

Charity/third sector

Sector

Health and social care

Science, technology and innovation

Service

Content development

Digital

Influencer engagement

Media relations

Social media

Strategy

Video and photography

The brief

Since 2018, Barley has supported The Scar Free Foundation, a medical research charity funding pioneering work into scarring caused by burns, cleft and conflict wounds. After helping launch their Centre for Conflict Wound Research, the charity asked us to use case study storytelling to share the experiences of their Ambassadors — supporters with lived experience of scarring — and highlight why investment in research matters.

Insights and approach

We knew the most powerful way to engage audiences was to centre the voices of people living with scarring. Our approach focused on thoughtful, human-led content that showed the breadth of experiences — from children recovering from burns to veterans injured in conflict.

As a content production agency experienced in sensitive topics, we produced a suite of written case studies, photography and short films that gave Ambassadors space to speak in their own words. Each piece brought depth, emotion and insight while clearly connecting individual stories to the charity’s research mission.To balance the seriousness of the subject, we ended each film with a single, hopeful question: their reflections on a world without scarring. We also advised on, planned and scripted a surprise virtual meeting between the Ambassadors and the charity’s patron, HRH The Countess of Wessex. Filming from three angles — including inside the Countess’s study — enabled us to craft a compelling reel capturing genuine reactions and warm, personal moments.

Results

Sharing Ambassador stories helped strengthen The Scar Free Foundation’s voice, broaden reach and deepen engagement across their channels. The launch of the charity’s burns research programme, supported by Ambassador Elizabeth’s story, secured widespread national coverage including BBC Breakfast, Radio 5 Live, the Daily Mail and The Metro.The film of HRH The Countess of Wessex meeting Ambassadors attracted over 21k views on Twitter and was featured by Hello! magazine and the Daily Mail. The content series increased the charity’s social following, raised awareness of the lifelong impact of scarring, and equipped the fundraising team with powerful assets to share with donors and stakeholders.

“

At every turn, I have been deeply impressed with the way Barley operate. The team worked hard and smart to generate well targeted national media coverage for the opening of The Scar Free Foundation Centre for Conflict Wound Research, resulting in the best UK-wide profile we have ever achieved. The quality of their work and the support we receive is excellent. I have now commissioned Barley to prepare a communications strategy for the Foundation and anticipate they will continue to be a key partner, supporting our work for years to come.

Brendan Eley

CEO, Scar Free Foundation

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