Have you got a story to tell?

We’re developing plans for a new national phase of Our Life Stories and want to hear from people interested in recording and preserving the life stories of people with learning disabilities.

In the first phase of the project, 59 people from across England were interviewed by their peers and shared experiences of childhood, family life, education, work, relationships, self-advocacy, community life and social change. The British Library is now preserving their stories in the national collection.

MP Rachael Maskell visits the Our Life Stories exhibition in York in February 2026, meeting the organisers, interviewers and interviewees who took part

We’re now exploring a much larger programme and would like to hear from people who may be interested in taking part.

We would like to hear from:

  • People with learning disabilities who would like to share their life story
  • Family members and support staff who may wish to help someone participate
  • People from all backgrounds, ages and regions of the UK
  • Self-advocacy groups
  • Disabled People’s Organisations
  • Social care providers, including supported living, residential and community services
  • Heritage organisations, museums, archives and researchers
  • Organisations interested in partnering with the project

You do not need to have done anything “special” to take part. Every life story is important.

If you want to share your life story, you could:

  • Help preserve the history of people with learning disabilities for future generations.
  • Increase understanding of the experiences of people with learning disabilities.
  • Challenge stereotypes and misconceptions.
  • Ensure more voices are included in the UK’s historical record.

Register Your Interest

We are currently seeking expressions of interest to help shape the project’s next phase.

Registering your interest does not commit you to taking part. It simply lets us know that you would like to hear more about opportunities to be involved.

By registering your interest, you’ll help us demonstrate the demand for this work and ensure future projects are shaped by the people whose stories matter most.

Follow the Easy Read guide or Complete the form below to register your interest.

Easy read guide:

Easy read guide

Form to register interest:

Register interest