Time to Change, Rethink, Derbyshire Mind and Derbyshire Mental Health
Services Trust are bringing books to life today (Tuesday 9 February) in
Derby's Assembly Rooms.

At the Living Library event, rather than books readers can come to the
library and borrow a person for a thirty 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.

This imaginative idea comes from Stop the Violence - a Danish young
people's movement. The concept was first used at the Roskilde music
festival to challenge stereotypes and prejudices. In Derby, the Living
Library is being used to educate and combat the stigma and
misunderstandings of people with mental health problems.

Alongside this, workshops will be available including subjects such as
yoga, poetry and creative writing. There will also be market stalls
open, brimming with information on how to maintain good mental health
and emotional wellbeing.

Caron Kirkham, Manager at Enjoying Derby, Derbyshire Mind's Walking for
Wellbeing Project said: "This fantastic free event gives the people of
Derby a chance to find out more about mental health and how to improve
their wellbeing.

"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.'

"The Living Library is a really brilliant event, it brings together
people who are otherwise unlikely to meet. We want to use this as an
effective way of breaking down stigma and promoting an inclusive
community."

The event will run from 1pm to 4pm at the Darwin Suite in the Assembly
Rooms, Market Place, Derby.

For more information contact Caron Kirkham, Enjoying Derby Manager,
01332 345966 [email protected]

- Ends -

Notes to Editors:

For interview or image requests please contact Jenny Tudor in the Time
to Change Press Office on 0208 2152 358/ 07789 721 966
[email protected]