"We are here … We are on the move": Empowerment through visual and textile storytelling

A session in which members of HIV support group Red Ribbon Living Well reflected on the various textile based projects with which they have been involved - including the four blankets and the Deptford Peoples' Museum 'The Monument is the Struggle' film/website project - and on the benefits this has had for the group. In the words of RRLW CEO Husseina Hamza: "The project began by offering regular, structured sewing sessions, attended consistently by 15 participants. These sessions were designed not only to teach technical skills but also to encourage creativity and self-expression. Initially, participants started by creating simple items such as bags and cushions, gradually advancing to more complex clothing projects as their confidence and skills grew. This progression allowed members to see their own development over time, boosting their sense of accomplishment and self-worth."