Times News
Call for personal accounts of Shenley Hospital for history project
4:50pm Friday 3rd February 2012
A charity is hoping to create a historical record of people’s personal accounts of Shenley Hospital and is calling for former patients and staff members to contribute.
Mind in Harrow is hoping to document people’s experiences of the hospital as a historical record of mental health care over the last century and illustrate what life was like at the hospital.
Shenley Hospital, in Black Lion Hill, was opened in 1934 and cared for people with mental health problems from North West London for more than 60 years before it closed in 1998.
Those who do contribute will do so entirely confidentially in a safe environment and will be interviewed by 15 trained volunteers.
Josie Hinton, coordinator of the project called ‘Hidden Minds’ said: “What’s really important about this project is that those who were treated in Shenley when it was open are getting older now and we run the risk of losing their stories for ever if we don’t record them now.
“People who have taken part in similar projects have found it very therapeutic and helpful to talk about their experiences.”
The project is funded by £50,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund and people's accounts will form part of an exhibition in Harrow.
Those who are interested in sharing their story for the project can contact Josie Hinton on 0208 515 7871 or by email at j.hinton@mindinharrow.org.uk.