This project gives terminally ill people in Sheffield the opportunity to create oral history voice recordings for their loved ones, as a lasting memory of their lives. Making a recording is not only therapeutic, it helps family and friends deal with their loss.

Funding the project has become increasingly difficult and we are seeking support to help us work with people near the end of their lives. Your donation will make a real difference.

Oral history complements palliative care services by giving people as much time as they need to reflect on their life and to record their memories in their own words. There are many reasons why people make recordings, from wanting to create a family record to sending a message to children who might be too young to remember them. Audio interviews are carried out by professional oral historians and trained volunteers who encourage patients to talk openly about their life. Participants decide themselves what they want to talk about and recordings can be made over several sessions. Once a recording is complete, patients receive a copy and, if they wish, copies are made for friends and family. All free of charge. A copy is also securely and permanently archived.

Oral history gives enjoyment and comfort to patients and families alike at a very difficult time in their lives.

"There is only myself and my son and I wanted to have something to leave him in my words, in my voice. My story, not just for him but maybe for the wife that I hope he will have in the future, and the kids he will have in the future."

“Having his voice on CD is the most precious thing I could have. I mean… they say what you would grab if you had to run out of the house, it would probably be that.”

“Every time I play it, sounds like he’s in the room, do you know what I mean, I get a lot of comfort from it.”

Oral history in palliative care is supported by the School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Sheffield.