Living libraries
Living libraries adds a twist on the traditional library. The “books” are not your usual library books – they are people with personal experiences and stories to share.
During Mental Health Week, WA Mental Health joined with local councils and libraries to provide the public with a unique living library experience.
This was an opportunity to promote and raise awareness of the importance of mental health and mental health wellbeing. It was also a great way to enhance relationships in the community and reduce both social exclusion and stigma that is often associated with mental illness.
What is stigma? Find out here.
The Living Library experience has been captured in a DVD which was launched in October 2009.
The DVD illustrates how to organise Living Libraries that share the life experiences of people with a mental illness, carers and mental health professionals.
The DVD also features the following Living Books titles:
- “A guide for carers: looking after yourself”- a carer shares her journey of recovery, acceptance and hope.
- “Believe in yourself even when it gets tough” – an ex-army medic and Stone Circle lead singer talks about how he used music to cope with the trauma of a parachute accident he suffered while in the army.
- “I'm a valuable member of the community too!” – a Muslim carer of a son with autism shares her road to self-acceptance and fighting cultural stigma.
- “Not so straight” – a young person talks about the impact of her mum coming out as a lesbian, and her involvement with Freedom Centre, support service for young people with diverse sexuality and gender.
- “Aboriginal communities: healing past and present” –a senior Noongar man shares some insight on the Stolen Generation and the need to look after Aboriginal mental health and wellbeing.
- “Insanity: a different logic” – a person with a mental illness shares her recovery journey and her belief in strength-based approach to recovery.
- “Walking lightly on the edge” - a music coordinator at forensic mental health centre talks about the important link between music and mental health.
- “Valuing diversity” – a person with a mental illness shares her views on the need for community acceptance and support.
The free DVD resource can be ordered from the Mental Health Division.
Find out more
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