St Helena Hospice will begin a creative life stories project recording the oral histories of some of the people it supports across north east Essex, thanks to Essex County Council’s Arts & Cultural Fund.

The project will use audio, video, writing and photography to capture the lives of 40 people beyond their diagnosis, and record what matters to them as they face end of life.

The project will celebrate people as individuals and reflect on a whole life lived. It is an opportunity to empower people to have a voice, while reflecting as they recall and share memories to create a lasting legacy for their loved ones.

Their lives and stories will be celebrated through a series of exhibitions across north east Essex to celebrate the 40th anniversary of St Helena Hospice in 2025.