The Speaking Volumes project hosted a successful launch event at the Jubilee Library in Brighton on Monday, April 7.
Speaking Volumes is a storytelling project that is working with HIV positive people from Sussex to enable them to share their stories and experiences of living with the virus. It is hoped that by hearing the stories the public will gain a greater understanding of the condition, reducing the stigma and mis-information that still abounds.
The evening started with a rendition of Something Inside So Strong, by the Brighton Goes Gospel (BGG) choir which was followed by an introduction from the Mayor of Brighton and Hove, Councillor Denise Cobb.
Speeches followed from the Project Director, Alice Booth who explained how the idea for the project had come about from the Human Library events where people share their stories one to one with visitors. She discussed how Speaking Volumes builds on this idea, and makes it accessible to people living with HIV who wish to share their stories and still remain anonymous, whilst also giving longevity to the project through the ongoing display of books and the website.
Brighton’s Green MP, Caroline Lucas was also present and gave an eloquent speech about the positive work being done in the city to raise awareness about HIV, but maintaining there is still more that needs to be done. She said she hopes to work with Alice to bring the shelf of Speaking Volumes stories to Parliament.
Guests were then treated to another song from BGG, as the mayor cut the ribbon on the shelf, and they then had the opportunity to listened to fifteen diverse stories about what it’s like to live with HIV in 2014.
The Speaking Volumes exhibition is on display at the Jubilee Library in Brighton until June 8.
To listen to all the stories on the website, CLICK HERE:
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