The project has been made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we will honour the resilience and contributions of people with disabilities, while also helping wider communities better understand the barriers they face today.
Beyond Labels will collect and preserve personal stories, alongside the histories of organisations, schools, and charities that support disabled people to create a record that celebrates disability while sparking conversations about inclusion, accessibility, and equality.
This exciting initiative begins with the recruitment of a dedicated project officer and volunteers, the launch of a community forum, and a programme of activities designed to capture and share lived experiences.
As part of the project, Suffolk Archives, a Suffolk County Council service, will work with local schools and community groups, offering free workshops that teach skills in recording, organising, and preserving archives. There will also be workshops around the county that provide opportunities for participants to co-create projects that amplify disabled voices and educate others about the challenges faced in daily life.
It also includes cataloguing and selective digitisation of existing disability-related records, making them more accessible to the public and ensuring that Suffolk Archives reflects the diversity of society today.
A key outcome will be a free public exhibition at The Hold on Ipswich Waterfront, running from February to May 2026. Co-curated with local communities, this exhibition will celebrate the stories collected through the project and encourage greater awareness and empathy across Suffolk.
Cllr Nadia Cenci, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, said:
"I’m delighted that this project has received the backing of the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Beyond Labels is not only about uncovering Suffolk’s disability history, but also about celebrating the people with disabilities living in our communities today. By sharing their voices, we can build greater understanding and help more people feel a sense of belonging in Suffolk.”
Liz Bates, Director, England, Midlands and East at The National Heritage Lottery Fund, said:
“We are pleased to support Suffolk Archives with a grant of £139,000 to collect and explore stories of people with disabilities working with local schools and community groups. Thanks to National Lottery players this project will be able to preserve and highlight experiences of life in the UK that might otherwise go unrecorded.”
