“How do I best write the life story of my ancestor?” It’s a question that all family historians have to ask. The answers become more complex when our ancestors had lives that were stigmatised or marginalised. In this talk, Dai Davies of GenealCymru explores the ethical storytelling practices that they learned while working on their blog: the Ancestors Lost by Suicide Commemoration Project. Dai found that the last writings on these ancestors’ lives often didn’t offer them the compassion and understanding they deserved. So let’s look at how we can rewrite both their lives and the social and legal history of suicide in Wales and England in a way that’s informed by what survivors and advocates today know about safe messaging.

“A really inspiring talk, remembering that sensationalism may sell newspapers but does not address the full story behind a life lived. Thank you Dai also beautiful pictures”

“Such a sensitive delivery of a very important topic, thank you Dai.”

“I hadn’t expected to be so moved. Thanks Dai, was a very important talk for me.”

“That was probably one of the best presentations on suicide [prevention] that I’ve ever seen.” -a social worker with decades of experience in suicide prevention work

“Always a treat to hear Dai talking about research methodology and wider considerations. Never ceases to make me think differently about my own approach.” -Andrew Martin of the Family Histories Podcast

Past Showings

Society of Genealogists: Mental Health and Family History Day

Pharos Tutors