The film was produced by the creative agency Ketchum, and is presented by Liv Little, author and founder of the magazine gal-dem. It features the special relationship between grandmother, Jean, 84, who came to the UK from Jamaica in 1960, and her grandson, Tré, 29.

‘Liming with Gran’ spotlights the special bond between these two generations, as they are seen playing a unique game of dominoes that prompt conversations surrounding health and wellbeing – often a taboo subject for older generations.

Only Human is an initiative of the Faculty of Education’s Kavli Centre for Ethics, Science, and the Public, and Genomics England. 

Phase 1 of this initiative, which helps enable conversations about genetic health, established that many people distrust science surrounding genetics, and a third of the British public never discuss it with others . This can potentially lead to hereditary diseases being overlooked, sometimes with fatal results.

“Scientists and doctors will often talk about genetics using technical, scientific concepts,” explains Professor Anna Middleton, Director of the Kavli Centre at the Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge. “But even the word ‘genetics’ puts many people off. ‘Liming with Gran’ and the Only Human initiative aims to improve awareness and find new ways to discuss genetics. Making health information relevant, relatable and accessible helps communities and individuals.”

For some minority groups, distrust of medical science can arise from historical, cultural and systemic challenges that many communities have faced, especially when it comes to DNA and genetics.

‘Liming with Gran’ focuses on destigmatising this subject within Caribbean families in the UK, through the Caribbean tradition of ‘liming’. This phrase refers to relaxed social activities, such as playing a game or simply talking, accompanied by food and drink. By utilising cultural practices such as this, the film shows how people can be encouraged to discuss these issues openly.

“When we talk about the difficult topics that we have shied away from for generations, magic can happen,” says Jean Williams, who features in the video. “We can start to not only understand ourselves better, but we can use that to support our future generations to live healthier and happier lives too. Being a part of this project with my grandson was such a special experience, one that I will treasure forever. I hope that this project inspires many more to open up and speak about the taboo topics. These are the conversations that are so worthwhile to have.”

‘Liming with Gran’ is part of a wider multimedia project encouraging people to be more open about their health, and particularly inherited conditions. Sets of dominoes printed with the topics of conversation seen in the film were also given to various Caribbean community spaces, from churches to barbershops.

The researchers involved in the Only Human project hope that methods such as these will make genetic health a less intimidating topic.

As Middleton explains, “genomic medicine is sweeping across the NHS, and it's time to democratise conversations about genetics, so everyone can have a voice about the services on offer”.

The film will be released on 3 October 2024. For more information about the campaign and to watch the film visit: https://onlyhuman.world/liming-with-gran/.