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The British Red Cross’ sound archive

Everyone has a story to tell: Listen to the voices of our volunteers and staff sharing their stories.

The story of the British Red Cross is the story of the volunteers and staff who have dedicated themselves to the humanitarian cause. 

 

But when we look back on our history through our museum and archive collections, we don’t always see the full diversity of our past and present reflected. To preserve these voices for the future, we are interviewing staff and volunteers from minoritised ethnic groups so they can tell their stories in their own voice.

 

This is an ongoing project. If you’re a volunteer or staff member, past or present, and are interested in talking to us and having your interview preserved in our archive, email enquiry@redcross.org.uk.

 

Listen to some clips from the interviews below and go to our online catalogue to find the full interviews and transcripts.

Why did you join the British Red Cross?

"The British Red Cross was able to offer me an opportunity where actually I could utilise all my skills and have a wider reach across everyone." - Fran
Toqueer smiles at the camera. He's wearing a beanie, scarf and grey jacket

Toqueer reflects on volunteering during the COVID pandemic, and what drew him to the British Red Cross.
Fran smiles at camera. She has big hoop earrings, a white and yellow shirt and red lipstick

Fran talks about her role at the British Red Cross and the opportunities that it has brought her.
Tala is in a urban setting. She has curly hair and is wearing a red and grey hoodie. She's smiling at the camera

After moving to the UK from Lebanon, Tala was inspired to start volunteering with the British Red Cross to work with refugees.

What, or who, inspires you? 

"If you really want to make a difference, you’ve got to stand up, and you’ve got to do it." - Fran
Fran smiles at camera. She has big hoop earrings, a white and yellow shirt and red lipstick

Fran tells us about the historical figure that inspires her.
Toqueer smiles at the camera. He's wearing a beanie, scarf and grey jacket

Toqueer reflects on his experience as a Community Reserve Volunteer, and why it is important to highlight the work of minority volunteers.
Carney smiles at the camera. He has a beard and it wearing a red hoodie

Carney tells us about the public figures who have inspired him, and the struggles people still face when trying to achieve their goals.

What does it mean to be part of the British Red Cross team?

"We feel very empowered to empower other people, and particularly people in need." - Tala
Toqueer smiles at the camera. He's wearing a beanie, scarf and grey jacket

Toqueer tells us about his time as a fundraising volunteer.
Tala is in a urban setting. She has curly hair and is wearing a red and grey hoodie. She's smiling at the camera

Tala reflects on how being a volunteer with the British Red Cross has had an impact on her.
Blessed wears a blue jumper, red lanyard and glasses. He is sat at a desk

Blessed talks to us about his time in the Belfast office of the British Red Cross.

What have been some memorable moments in your role?

"I just remember that it was a cold night, and kids laughing, laughing and just rushing down the stairs, because they’d, they'd got somewhere safe." - Carney
Blessed wears a blue jumper, red lanyard and glasses. He is sat at a desk

Blessed reflects on being a Mobility Aids volunteer during the COVID pandemic.
Tala is in a urban setting. She has curly hair and is wearing a red and grey hoodie. She's smiling at the camera

Tala tells us about her experience volunteering in a vaccination centre during the COVID pandemic.
Carney smiles at the camera. He has a beard and it wearing a red hoodie

Carney tells about his memories of being an Emergency Response Operations Manager, and the part he played in helping and supporting those who had been evacuated from Afghanistan in 2021.

Want to be part of this project?

Get in touch to find out more.

Email us