these are
our stories
Groundwork is a listening-led oral history project
Between November 2024 and October 2025, we spoke to 50 people with a learning disability in Portsmouth UK, to document their lives in their own voices.
Out of 50 interviewees, 21 were women and 29 were men. The oldest interviewee was born in 1944 (aged 81); the youngest was born in 2007 (aged 18).
The collection is permanently archived at Portsmouth Central Library.
Spotlight
“i was trying to survive”
Maryanne Stanley shares memories of growing up and finding independence.
“we proved them wrong”
Paula Stott talks about friendship, love, and building a life together in Portsmouth.
“when i do my art, my mind settles down”
Olivia Par ry shares memories of growing up, family life, and finding calm through art and routine.
Why this project exists.
People with a learning disability have not always had the opportunity for their life stories to be recognised or recorded as part of Portsmouth’s history. Many experiences that matter, everyday moments, relationships, work, home, and change, have often gone undocumented.
Groundwork exists to help address this. It creates space for people to share their stories in ways that feel right to them, and for those stories to be listened to, remembered, and valued.
By bringing these voices into the wider story of the city, the project helps build a richer, more inclusive picture of Portsmouth, one that reflects the lives and experiences of the whole community.
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This New Ground is an ambitious initiative with hubs in London and Portsmouth. We elevate the artistic voices and talents of people with a learning disability.
Work with us and learn more at thisnewground.com -
Aspex Gallery
Workshop venue, Portsmouth
Portsmouth LIbrary and Archive Service
Permanent archive home -
We thank all fifty interviewees who shared their stories, and the thirteen artist-interviewers who made this collection possible.
Special thanks to Michael Gunton, Senior Archivist at Portsmouth Central Library, and all members of the Inclusive Advisory Committee.
Themes
The interview schedule was devised by the group and broken into five topic areas. At the beginning of each interview, topic cards were laid out and interviewees were invited to select which topic they wished to be asked about.
how the project was made.
Groundwork was co-designed alongside people with a learning disability in Portsmouth. The team helped shape what the project would be, how stories would be recorded, and how they would be shared.
The project is listening-led. That means taking time, building trust, and allowing people to speak for themselves, without interpretation or editorial framing.
our toolkit.
The approach we used is documented in a toolkit, for anyone interested in developing similar community led heritage project.
funders & partners
Groundwork was made possible through the support and collaboration of our funders and partners.
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These stories are part of Portsmouth’s history, and deserve to be heard and remembered.
— Lucy Groenewoud, This New Ground
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We have no records of the lived experience of learning-experience of the people of Portsmouth. The stories will help make our collections a more complete record of the lives and experience of the people of Portsmouth.
— Michael Gunton, Senior Archivist, Portsmouth Central Library
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People need to understand our history. it will help future generations understand us better.
— Stephen, IAC Member