Stories Of Care founder, Sophie Willan has won Best Comedy Programme at the 2022 Broadcast Awards with her BBC2 series, Alma’s Not Normal, which was broadcast in September and October 2021. 

She triumphed over We Are Lady Parts, Dreaming Whilst Black, Ghosts, Ladybaby and Starstruck.

Broadcast noted the series explores “some tough subjects for a sitcom, including poverty, growing up in care, addiction, homelessness, mental health and sex work, in a way that is totally joyous, wholly honest, and incredibly believable.” 

One judge noted that they “hadn’t seen anything like it before.” 

Another added: “While raging at the system, Willan has created loveable, vulnerable and hilarious characters who will stay with you for a long time afterwards and truly make you think.”

Broadcast also noted that the show, produced by Expectation, used local actors to add authenticity to the series, which is set in Sophie’s home town of Bolton, while local care leavers were given opportunities to fill production roles. 

Through Alma’s Not Normal, Sophie continues to develop the core missions of Stories Of Care; by offering a bitingly funny and unflinching take on class, sexuality, mental health and substance abuse. She celebrates Working Class women, Care Leavers and Sex Workers, and shows complex female characters, dealing with the hands they’ve been dealt while doggedly pursing their dreams.