Blog by Joseph Chambers, Online Peer Support Coordinator Cymru at Terrence Higgins Trust.
Stories have the power to educate, challenge stigma and ensure that important experiences are never forgotten. On 10 September, the HIVstory Oral Histories Sharing Event at St Fagans National Museum of History brought together volunteers, community members and partners to celebrate the voices and experiences of people affected by HIV in Wales.
The event showcased the work of the National HIV Story Trust (NHST) and Amgueddfa Cymru, which has seen volunteers collect oral histories from people living with HIV, family members, carers, clinicians and others connected to the HIV community across Wales.
Attendees heard about the project and gained an insight into some of the powerful stories collected, highlighting the impact of HIV on individuals, communities and healthcare over the years.
Coordinated by Dr. Jesse Schwenk and delivered by a dedicated team of volunteers, the project has helped ensure that this often-overlooked part of Welsh history is preserved for future generations.
Terrence Higgins Trust supported the project through recruitment activity via Tafod+, Wales’s online HIV peer support project, helping to connect people with lived experience to this important piece of HIV heritage work.
The event was a moving reminder of the importance of sharing lived experiences and celebrating the resilience, strength and contributions of Wales’ HIV community.
Want to learn more? Visit the HIVstory website at www.hivstory.org.uk and explore how these important stories are helping to preserve the history and legacy of HIV in Wales and across the UK.