--- title: Supporting health initiatives with the right storytelling style date: 2026-05-18T13:36:07+10:00 author: Portable canonical_url: "https://portable.com.au/work/case-studies/supporting-health-initiatives-through-storytelling" section: Case studies --- ## The challenge The [Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)](https://www.health.vic.gov.au/department-of-health-and-human-services) delivers a wide range of programs across healthcare, community services, and social support; each with different audiences, sensitivities, and communication needs. Portable partnered with DHHS across multiple projects, producing a series of videos where each piece formed part of its own campaign. Rather than applying a single style, each video was shaped around the specific story it needed to tell ensuring the format, tone, and structure aligned with its purpose. ## Our approach **Allied health and clinical supervision** Communicating clinical supervision practices required realistic, scenario-based storytelling. Portable developed a training-focused video using structured scenarios to demonstrate best practice in action, supporting workforce learning. **Minajalku Women’s** Circle This project required a culturally grounded approach. Portable produced a documentary-style piece centred on First Nations voices, ensuring the story was led by community perspectives and experiences. **Aboriginal snapshot** To communicate key insights quickly and clearly, Portable created a concise, visually driven video that distilled complex information into an accessible, high-level overview for stakeholders. **Virtual Reality for Mercy Health Shepparton** Introducing emerging technology in healthcare required demonstration, not explanation. Portable used immersive storytelling to showcase how virtual reality simulations support training and innovation in care environments. **The Towards Home project** Addressing homelessness during periods of extreme hardship required a human-centred narrative. Portable developed a story-led video highlighting lived experience, helping audiences understand both the urgent need for temporary housing and the impact of the program in helping people overcome their immediate crisis. ## The impact Across each campaign, Portable selected the storytelling approach that best matched the audience, subject matter, and intended outcome. This resulted in content that: - improved understanding of complex programs and services - supported training, engagement, and awareness across different sectors - ensured each initiative was communicated in a way that was appropriate, effective, and context-specific By aligning format with purpose, the work demonstrates how thoughtful storytelling can strengthen the delivery and impact of public services. 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