The aim of our project was to capture the experiences of nurses who were recruited from the former British colonies to work in the National Health Service in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s.  Using oral history techniques, we set out to document their lives. Our interview themes included Personal background, Coming to the UK, Settling In/Induction, Training, Everyday life, From training to working life, Brighton life and Personal reflection.  Our interviewees initially came from one particluar friendship group from that time and from there we met other people who were interested in being interviewed.  

A team of volunteer interviewers were recruited and trained to conduct the in-depth interviews, which have thrown light on a hidden part of the history of Brighton and Hove.  The project stands as a tribute to their enormous contribution to the NHS and British society. Interviews can be accessed via Brighton History Centre in Brighton Museum and Art Gallery from April 2010.

Project managers: Sarah Lee and Beth Harrison

Outreach worker: Bert Williams