Do you have lived experience of mental health, physical or social health difficulties and want to share your story to help challenge perceptions and help inspire others? The Life Rooms has been working on the development of a Living Library alongside our community, and external partners.
What is a Living Library?
A Living Library is where people with their own personal stories, share them through one-to-one conversations with people who are seeking to learn and feel inspired.
A Living Library operates a bit like a normal library, however physical books are replaced by humans (‘Books’) who wish to share their own lived experiences. Visitors (‘Readers’) can then browse the catalogue for the available books and choose the books they want to read. The books are people who, in conversation with readers, open the door to personal stories and experiences. This usually takes the form of an event or a series of events, and this is facilitated by ‘Librarians’, who ensure that the event runs smoothly.
The purpose of a Living Library is to build connections, learn from other people, and provide a non-stigmatising environment for lesser-told experiences to be shared openly and safely.
How can I get involved?
Our Books
A good Book is someone who has a life experience that they feel confident talking about with other people, whether that’s an experience with mental health, physical health, social isolation – any experience which you feel would inspire other people and help challenge stigma.
People with lived experience of difficulties and challanges are often best place to help others. Sharing stories of difficilties that others can relate to, can be valuable for many people and can go a long way in helping people feel less alone.
Our Readers
Visitors (‘Readers’) can browse the catalogue for the available books and choose the books they want to read. The books are people who, in conversation with readers, open the door to personal stories and experiences. As a ‘Reader’, you will be seeking to learn and feel inspired through listening to people’s experiences.
Living Library Event details
Loan one of our 'books' for a 1:1 chat to hear about their lived experience! All of our 'books' are people across our communities who have their own personal inspiring story to share that will challenge stigma and break down barriers around health.
Thursday, 14 December: 1:30pm - 4pm
You can express your interest in attending this event as a visitor (reader), by booking your FREE ticket here.
If you would like to be kept informed ahead of our future Living Library event, please contact Eleanor.besant@merseycare.nhs.uk to be added to the mailing list.