Time to Change, Mind in Croydon and Hear Us are bringing books to life on Wednesday 15 June in Croydon Central Library.
At the Living Library event, rather than books readers can come to the library and borrow a person for a twenty minute chat. The human ‘books’ on offer are people who have experience of mental health problems. People are encouraged to choose from a list of titles and can then borrow a person for a conversation about the topic they represent.
The Living Library is part of the ‘It’s time to talk. it’s Time to Change’ campaign which aims to address the fear and awkwardness people feel in talking about mental health problems, and get people around the country talking about mental health. Just a few small words can make a big difference to someone with a mental health problem and talking about mental health can help to break down stigma and discrimination.
Chloe Gay, Healthy Living Coordinator at Mind in Croydon, said: “The Living Library event gives the people of Croydon a chance to find out more about mental health by talking to someone with personal experience.
“The concept is really simple and people who borrow a living book generally report a greater understanding of these issues, because they have been given the chance to see the ‘person behind the label. This great event brings together people who are otherwise unlikely to meet and we want to use this as an effective way of breaking down stigma and promoting an inclusive community.”
Sue Baker, Director of Time to Change, said: “We know that face-to-face contact with someone who has experienced a mental health problem, who can talk openly and confidently about it, is key to transforming our understanding and attitudes and we want to start conversations happening all over the country. I would encourage everyone in Croydon to pop along to the Living Library and borrow a human ‘book’.”
The free event will run from 2-5pm at the Croydon Central Library.
Time to Change was launched in January 2009 with a national advertising campaign fronted by Stephen Fry, Ruby Wax and Alastair Campbell. This year, the campaign is supported by Frank Bruno and his daughter Rachael and includes the release of new TV, radio and online advertising.
For more information contact Chloe Gay, Healthy Living Coordinator, 020 8253 8205 [email protected] or visit www.facebook.com/timetochange or www.time-to-change.org.uk