An oral history project is looking for people who have used or worked in NHS mental health services in Sussex to share their experiences.
Living Histories is looking for those who have experienced the system since the closure of asylums up until to the pandemic.
Living Histories seeks to document the personal narratives of both mental health service users and staff, exploring the role mental health services play in people’s whole life stories.
The project will explore the shift from institutional care to community-based services, culminating in the challenges and transformations brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The project, which is led by Heads On, the charity for Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and NHS Charities Together, is seeking participants who:
- Have personal experience with Sussex NHS mental health services, whether as a service user, carer, or staff member.
- Participants from a wide array of backgrounds.
- Have stories spanning from the late 1980s to the present day.
Participation involves a recorded oral history interview (60–120 minutes) conducted by trained volunteers. These may be used in exhibitions, podcasts, or preserved in archives, with the option for anonymity.
Interviews will be scheduled between May – July 2025 at recording venues across Sussex.
To get involved, email spft.livinghistories@nhs.net with your name, a brief outline of your experience, and your availability between May – July 2025.
I’ve already done it and it was a very enjoyable experience.
Michael Williams