Dr Steph Petrie is an Honorary Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology
The University of Liverpool has launched an online archive for local community groups and individuals to express their opinions, memories and experiences following the riots in Liverpool in August 2011.
On August 8th and 9th 2011, Merseyside faced one of the most significant outbreaks of public disorder since the riots in 1981. The disturbances were part of a national wave of unrest which provoked debate and strong responses, especially from the media and politicians. However, the voices of the communities affected by these events were less audible.
“The material gathered so far documents a range of views concerning the disturbances themselves but also about local community life in general; contrasting times of upheaval with aspects of everyday life.
Dr Steph Petrie, Honorary Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology, said: ” Do visit the archive, share the link and contact us if you have memories or experiences of life in Liverpool you would like to document.
“The archive features memories and views in a variety of forms including photos, newsletters, poetry, short films and interviews and older and young people have contributed and share many different experiences and perspectives including a poem by Edna May reflecting on her experience of Kirkby in the 1960s and 1980s.”