On Thursday, 26th February 2026, members of the SUF team attended the preview of Suffolk Archives new exhibition, ‘Beyond Labels: Celebrating Disability in Suffolk’, which openned to the public on Friday 27th Februry 2026. Supported by a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the exhibition aims to spark meaningful conversations about accessibility, equality, visibility, discrimination and representation.
Co‑curated with local community groups, including our team at Suffolk User Forum, the exhibition brings together stories, records, and lived experiences that challenge assumptions and broaden understanding.
As part of our contribution, we explored our own archives to identify material that could deepen and enrich the project’s themes.
During this process, we revisited ‘Behind the Curtains’, a collection of filmed personal stories created with people who have lived experience of mental ill health. Developed in 2014 with support from the Big Lottery, these recordings offer candid first‑person reflections, from early experiences to the impact on daily life and the stigma many continue to face.
Over the years, these films have been used in training, education, health, and local government settings, helping to build understanding and challenge misconceptions about mental health.
As part of the project, we also contributed to ‘Unlabelled ‘, a community art installation created from 150 giant labels that have been decorated by over 30 local community groups and schools. They are on display in the foyer of The Hold during the exhibition, and ours is positioned just above the exhibition entrance.
You can explore the films in the full exhibition and art installation, from Friday 27 February to Saturday 30 May at The Hold, Ipswich. Free and open to all. Check opening times at www.suffolkarchives.co.uk
Both films are also available to watch on our YouTube channel see link below
Suffolk User Forum – YouTube