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Do you have a Supportability story to share?
Perhaps we have supported a friend or relative in the past? Or maybe you or a relative worked or the charity? Please contact elli.tozer@supportability.org.uk. No amount of detail is too small.
In March 2024 we were awarded a grant of £93,696 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for an exciting heritage project, ‘Celebrating Supportability at 70’.
We’ve been supporting people in the local community with a range of disabilities since 1953, but our full story has not been formally researched, documented or shared before.
Made possible by money raised by National Lottery players, there will be a digitised timeline of photographs, documents and audio recordings for anyone to access, capturing and sharing the voices and experiences of disabled people and their families over the past 70 years. Their stories will be captured so that their experiences are preserved for the future.
The 18-month project will cumulate in a public exhibition and celebration event in 2025. There will also be themed activities such as heritage walks, music, art and cookery sessions for the people we support and their families and friends.
Over the next few months we will recruit freelance interviewer and a number of volunteers to gather written and spoken memories, documents and photographs from people who have used the service over the years, their friends and family, former members of staff, volunteers and Trustees. Volunteering will give people in the community an opportunity to connect with others and learn new skills whilst retaining our history.
People in Stockport will have the chance to learn about Stockport’s forgotten heritage, as well as raising awareness of the history of disability rights. History and heritage isn’t just about old buildings, it’s about people, too.
The project will put disabled people, their families and the people who care for them at the centre of their story. It will give people in Stockport the opportunity to see disability rights at the forefront of its heritage.
Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said:
“We are delighted to award this grant to Supportability to enable them to record the heritage of Stockport’s disabled community. This important work, made possible by the National Lottery players, will ensure the voices and memories of the community can be heard for generations to come.
Interested in getting involved?
Form sorting through photo slides to assisting the Project Manager with the planning of the exhibition, we have a range of volunteering opportunities available. If you’d like to volunteer, please contact Elli Tozer as above.
