Published on: 2nd May 2025
Our first 'human library' took place in Dukinfield yesterday and was a huge success.
The event featured talks from four 'books' - Annabelle, Jen, Maggie and Sian - who have lived experience of mental health challenges.
The books spoke openly to small groups about their personal experiences, challenges and the care they received.
'Readers' who attended had chance to listen, learn and ask questions in a safe and respectful environment.
Tameside and Glossop involvement team set the human library up to break down stereotypes and give people a chance to understand the lives of others.
Dan Beresford, involvement coordinator, explained: “The human library concept comes from Denmark and we were inspired to try this with people sharing lived experience of mental health, following research from Lancaster University."
“It’s a powerful way to interact with people and hear their unadulterated stories. We want everyone to come along and listen, not just those in patient-facing roles, to understand the role we all play in supporting people.”