PROJECT INFORMATION

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded a grant of £49,800 to fund Mind in Bexley’s oral history Minding Histories project. Oral history which writes 'history from below', has been a democratising force in historical work, and is a crucial means of achieving cultural and political recognition for marginalised groups.
Minding Histories will work with individuals and communities to record the testimonies of up to 60individuals from BME groups including the Vietnamese, Chinese, Bangladesh, Indian, Russian, Polish and Irishcommunities who reside in the London Borough of Bexley in order to explore the resettlement heritage of these communities. The project will focus on the resettlement experiences and its related impact on mental health since 1950/60's. The impact (contributing to mental health problems) can be wide ranging but we will focus on discrimination and racism, poverty, isolation and stigma.  Tape and video recorded interviews will be carried out with individuals from these communities who are experiencing , or have experienced from, mental ill health/distress, including those who were residents of the now demolished Bexley Psychiatric hospital. The project will also work with the Mind in Bexley art group and a local theatre group who will undertake a performance drama based on interview data. The data from the oral testimonies will be archived at Bexley Museum and exhibitions will be held throughout the borough. We will also develop an interactive website which will encompass interview extracts, a short background history of migration to the area and photographs which will offer an education about the past lives and times of this intriguing outer London Borough.

This project is rooted in the cultural heritage of different and often under-represented BME groups in the London Borough of Bexley.  It will benefit their heritage by accessing and recording the untold experiences, stories and histories of these significant community groups.  The project will enable the local community to be involved in a very direct way in the recording and celebration of their history. It will provide opportunities for direct and active learning by members of the community as 20 local volunteers will be trained and supported in how to use oral history as a resource, benefiting all the participants and enabling the wider community to have a better understanding of heritage
The scheme will provide a bridge and link between groups or persons of different cultural backgrounds to effect change. The scheme also intends to result in a celebration of diversity by raising the profile of the different home cultures present in Bexley and works to aid and improve the integration process and social cohesion.   There are also significant educational benefits in respect of social inclusion and health agendas as the project will give people with experience of mental distress the confidence to challenge discrimination and speak out about their experiences and will aim to generate awareness in public attitudes towards mental health and migration. Minding Histories therefore aims to educate and influence the behaviour of others, and to ensure that the heritage and resettlement experience is unlocked for the benefit of all.  This is also particularly important for those who develop and implement policy, the unique insights the project will provide should benefit those wanting to ensure services are culturally appropriate.  The project will also work to conserve, enhance and interpret personal memories, artefacts, and records and therefore bring value to the quality of life of participants, volunteer interviewers and the wider community. The website, drama performance and exhibition and the support of Bexley Museum will look after the heritage and act as a point of access for the general community in Bexley to celebrate and take an interest in their heritage.