The inspiring story of Acorns Children’s Hospice in Birmingham is being shared with the public in a powerful, new exhibition.
‘Life, Loss and Other Stories’ explores the fascinating history of the hospice as told by the people who make up its varied and remarkable community, past and present.
The memories of nearly 130 people were collected and over 40 hours of audio were recorded. Ten of those voices are now being shared in the exhibition at the Library of Birmingham.
Sarah Bowron, Acorns 30th Anniversary Campaign Manager, said:
“We are beyond excited to share Acorns ground-breaking history through these powerful and moving stories.
“Life, Loss and Other Stories opens the doors to our wonderful hospices, giving people who wouldn’t normally encounter Acorns the chance to find out about how we support children and families and how pivotal the local community has been, and continues to be, in helping us provide that care.”
In 2018 it was 30 years since Diana, Princess of Wales opened Acorns’ very first hospice in Selly Oak, Birmingham – then only the third children’s hospice in the world.
Throughout the charity’s 30th anniversary year, Acorns’ Story Box Project collected memories from the last three decades along with 30 oral history recordings from children and families, staff, volunteers and supporters.
The project’s bright orange Story Box Caravan also toured the region recording childhood memories from members of the public to capture what life was like growing up in the West Midlands.
Sarah said:
“We set out on a mission to preserve Acorns’ story and our incredible community through their memories. The result was a collection of powerful and emotive stories that reveal both the magic and the importance of Acorns.
“Life, Loss and Other Stories shares how we make every single day count for families using Acorns, the challenges they face and captures all the moments in-between; the everyday memories of our families, staff, volunteers, supporters and members of the public.
“We have been on a remarkable journey to bring this exhibition to life. We hope as many people as possible visit the Library of Birmingham, listen to these stories and become part of the story for our next 30 years. Only with your support can we continue our work caring for children and families across the region.”
The exhibition, made possible with funding from the Heritage Lottery, runs until Thursday 25 March. For more information visit Life, Loss and Other Stories
Leave a Reply