The people of South Western Sydney have experienced their share of adversity over the past three years, with bushfires, flood, local tragedies and lockdowns. South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) is creating a digital book of people’s experience of mental health. The Living Library will be launched in late 2023. They will also be added to Living Library Collection. The program helps the community understand the lived experience of disaster recovery, mental illness, tackle stigma and normalise how and where to seek help.
What is a Living Library?
A Living Library is when, instead of borrowing a book, a story is borrowed through a speaker.
Living Library is an opportunity for individuals to connect with people they may not normally have the chance to speak to.
Do you have a story to share?
SWSLHD is looking for stories about the impact on mental health, recovery from personal distress, and resilience to life’s challenges. It is looking for stories which will encourage people to seek support.
The program aims to share stories from diverse groups and communities impacted by a disaster including, but not limited to:
- Young people
- Older people
- LGBTIQA+
- Refugee and migrant communities
- Carers
- Impacted by fire
- Mental health clinicians
- Impacted by floods
Participants will have the opportunity to tell their story via video, audio or written (whichever they feel comfortable with).
Previous Living Library program speakers have discussed their lived experience of mental illness, being a carer for family members with mental illness, and professional expertise in the mental health sector. Your story will be created and accessible online.
Watch SWSLHD Living Library videos on YouTube for inspiration
A Questions and Answers launch event may be held late 2023
You may be in front of an audience who may ask you questions about your story (staff will support you during your talk and will manage the questions).
I would like to share my story, what do I need to know and do?
Complete the below expression of interest form or contact Cheryl Mitchel from SWSLHD:
Em: Cheryl.Mitchell@health.nsw.gov.au
Ph: 0434 181 959
Expressions of interest close June 2023.