We are hosting a ‘Human Library’ at the Library of Birmingham on Tuesday 30 October 11am – 4pm.
In the month when many celebrated World Mental Health Day, our Recovery and Patient Experience team are inviting the local community to come to the event and choose a ‘book.’
The ‘books’ are the Trust’s Experts by Experience (those with lived experience of mental health issues), who will tell the story of their personal recovery journeys.
Visitors can borrow a ‘book’ to learn about life from the perspective of our service users and carers, including their experiences of mental health conditions and the challenges they have overcome.
Katy Chachou, Recovery Support Worker, is taking part in the event to share her story “After the birth of my daughter I was diagnosed with postpartum psychosis, a rare but serious mental health illness that can affect a woman soon after she has a baby.
I welcome the opportunity to talk to people about my experience and I hope the event will bring about conversations to challenge the stigma around mental health conditions, as well as encouraging people to think about their own wellbeing.”
Sue Hartley, Executive Director of Nursing, said: “This event is a first for us. I’m delighted that visitors to our Human Library will have the opportunity to increase their understanding of mental ill health through those that have so much knowledge and experience.”
There is no need to register for the Human Library event; visitors are welcome to come along and check out a book and to visit the Recovery for All stand to find out more about the Trust’s recovery strategy and the work of our Experts by Experience.
