Library of Lived Experience for Mental Health Implementation Guide

Sharing and hearing stories about mental health can be a valuable experience for many people. Living Libraries are spaces where living ‘Books’ tell their stories in conversations with ‘Readers’. We are a team including people with diverse mental health experiences. This report is the result of a project in which we worked together to understand how Living Libraries can be used to share stories about mental health. We learned that Living Libraries have the potential to help people to learn about mental health experiences in an engaging way, challenge stigma, and encourage peer support. The key to a successful Living Library is to support people to tell their story in a way that feels safe and authentic. It is important that Books and Readers understand the purpose of the Living Library, identify personal boundaries for discussing mental health, and where to go for emotional support. Organisers should prioritise finding an accessible physical or online space where people feel comfortable sharing their experiences. It is essential that the views of people with expertise by experience in mental health are embedded within the design and delivery of Living Libraries.