Library of Lived Experience for Mental Health in the North of England

Cumbria Action for Health Network and Mental Health Provider Forum 

Lancaster University has received funding to develop a plan for a Library of Lived Experience for Mental Health in the North of England. Living libraries are places where people are supported to tell their stories as ‘living books’ through open conversation with interested ‘readers’. We know that sharing life experiences can be very powerful for both those who tell their stories and those who hear them, so we are exploring this idea as a way to provide people with the opportunity to discuss their mental health experiences.

Lancaster University is reaching out to people and organisations who may be interested in helping to co-design the library. We would like a range of perspectives to be heard in this process, including people who have experienced mental health problems, their carers and relatives, professionals in health and social care services, and people who access or run voluntary services. 

Co-designing the library would involve taking part in a series of workshops which will run between the end of this year and summer next year. These workshops will primarily take place online and will focus on developing ideas for key aspects of the library, such as how people could be supported when taking part and where might be best to host these events.

They are holding an information session online from 10am to 12pm on 23 November where we will provide further details about the project and what is involved. If you have any questions or would like to attend, please get in touch at: p.marshall4@lancaster.ac.uk.

If you know any individuals or organisations who may be interested in the project, please feel free to pass on these details.