REFLECTIONS ON THE LAUNCH OF HOLD TO RECORD: VOICES NOTES FROM REFUGEES
The launch of Hold to Record: Voice Notes from Refugees on April 15 at South Kensington Library was an unforgettable moment in my journey as a writer. I still find it difficult to put into words what it meant to stand in a space where stories—often silenced or overlooked—were finally welcomed with open arms and listening hearts.
My involvement with the Voice Notes project began with a deep curiosity about storytelling as a form of healing. I was drawn to the idea that writing could be a bridge—not only between cultures but also between moments of personal trauma and collective understanding. What started as a tentative step into a new writing community quickly became a transformative experience. Each workshop, each conversation, helped uncover layers of my own story, and gave me the courage to write more truthfully and more openly than I ever had before.
One of the most meaningful parts of the writing process was the sense of solidarity it fostered. We were all refugees or migrants, each carrying different memories, languages, and landscapes within us. But through this project, we began to understand each other beyond those labels. We were no longer just individuals marked by displacement—we were storytellers, artists, and survivors reclaiming the narrative in our own words.
Image credit: Federico Riva
Of course, writing wasn’t always easy. There were moments when I felt stuck, when the memories were too heavy or the words refused to come. But being part of a supportive, compassionate writing group made all the difference.
The launch itself was more than just a celebration—it was a moment of arrival. Seeing the library transformed into a space for honest storytelling filled me with pride. For many of us, it was our first time reading in public. I could feel the nervous energy in the room slowly transform into quiet strength as each writer took the stage. These were not just stories on paper—they were lived experiences, shared with courage.
Image credit: Federico Rivas
I’m deeply grateful to the organisers, the library staff, and everyone who came to listen. Thank you for treating our stories with care and dignity. This project reminded me how powerful it is to be seen and heard, especially when your voice has been ignored for so long.
Looking ahead, I hope Hold to Record Voices encourages more people to tell their stories. I hope it creates ripples—sparking conversations, challenging stereotypes, and opening hearts. And most of all, I hope readers walk away with the same feeling I had when I first joined this project: that our stories matter.
Get Your Copy!
Hold to Record: Voice Notes from Refugees is now available to buy, and all proceeds go directly to supporting Compass!
You can order your copy through Waterstones, Amazon, Bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble, Foyles, or directly from the publisher Palewell Press.
Thank you for your support!
The photos included here were taken at the book launch of 'Hold To Record: Voice Notes from Refugees' on a voluntary basis. The Voice Notes project, led by Sarah Jackson (Northumbria University) was funded by the Arts & Humanities Research Council. https://crossedlines.co.uk/voice-notes/