The haemophilia and HIV life history project

The haemophilia and HIV life history project: Living Stories, was a project led by Sian Edwards between 2003 and 2007. ‘Living Stories' is a collection of extensive life history interviews recorded with people who had haemophilia and HIV, their partners and families to learn about their lives and experiences. The recorded interviews with written transcripts are stored in the British Library Sound Archive.

The Living Stories website illustrates and illuminates some of the individual stories and themes from the collection using edited audio extracts and photographs.

Project aims

During the 1970s and 1980s 1246 people in Britain were infected with HIV through the medical treatment for their haemophilia or related bleeding disorders. At the start of the project only about 400 of these people were still alive.

By recording these interviews, the project aimed to:

  • Enable those personally affected to contribute to the history of HIV in UK
  • Create an archive for future generations
  • Improve understanding and raise awareness

Project findings and impact

The project completing November 2007 and the recorded interviews with written transcripts are stored in the British Library Sound Archive.

Research team

Sian Edwards – Lead investigator

Krista Woodley - Research Fellow

Robert James - Technical/Financial worker

Mel Ottewill - Research practice supervisor

Melody brown - Transcription

Dr. Al Thomson - Advisory group

Dr. Rob Perks - Advisory group

Wendy Rickard - Advisory group

Chris Harrington - Advisory group

Babs Evans - Advisory group

Output

www.livingstories.org.uk

Partners

Heritage Lottery Fund