Kirklees ‘Human Library’ event tackles the stigma of mental health
The 9– 15 May is Mental Health Awareness Week and there are plenty of ways you can get involved to improve your own mental health and wellbeing or find support for someone else. Find out what’s on below.
‘Human Library’ Event, Huddersfield Library, 12 May from 10am
The Human Library event aims to help overcome the stigma, combat prejudice, challenge stereotypes and end discrimination around mental health through conversations with guest speakers who will share their own personal experiences of how mental health has affected their lives.
Event schedule
9:30 am – 10am Arrival for tea/coffee/refreshments
10am – 10.15am Introduction to the session
10:15am – 10:35am Human Book story
10:45am – 11:05am Wellness Team Presentation
Break – Tea/Coffee/Refreshments
11:20am – 11:40am Human Book tells their story
11:45am –12pm Presentation
12pm – 12:15pm Human Book story
12:15am – 12:30am Human Book story
12:30am – 1pm Mindfulness activity
1:30pm Close
This is a free event and there is no need to book, just turn up on the day.
Community Plus Bus
Our Community Plus team will be out and about in the bus, handing out information on mental health and wellbeing support. Helping people feel more connected, independent and healthier. The bus will be at the following locations, pop along.
- Monday 9 May, 11am – 2pm
Sycamore Avenue, Golcar
- Wednesday 11 May, 9:30am -12pm
Cliffe Street car park, Dewsbury
- Wednesday 11 May, 1pm – 4pm
Batley, Tesco
- Friday 13 May, 11am – 2pm
Berry Brow, Huddersfield
Everybody Active Time to Talk Walks, Wednesday 11 May
Walking is a simple way to improve your mental health. Join a walk leader and meet other people with shared experiences. These are steady walks on mainly flat terrain. Walks will take place At Wilton park and Greenhead Park.
- The Café at Wilton Park, Batley
Meet at 12:30 pm
Contact Andy Cook for further information 07815 117853.
- The café near the tennis courts at Greenhead Park
Meet at 12:30 pm
Contact: Alex Craddock for further information 07968 702024
Curated books and resources
Throughout the week, Kirklees Libraries are promoting books and resources to help adults and children understand and manage their feelings. Their “Reading Well” selection has been curated by health professionals. Topics include anxiety, depression, mindfulness and living well.
Here is the full list of curated books, available to borrow.
E:book collection is available to download for free.
Check out this specially selected collection of children’s books about mental health and wellbeing.
Social Prescribing
Our Social Prescribing Link Workers work with patients who have been referred through their GP practice. We now have dedicated Mental Health Link Workers so if you feel you need support with your mental health, please contact your GP.
Free Wellness Service
Our Wellness Service offers a free, one to one support service and help develop a personal health and wellbeing plan to help improve your mental health and emotional wellbeing, increase social contact and community engagement and develop self care techniques.
Become a volunteer
It has been proven that volunteering can help improve our mental health whilst meeting new people and supporting your local community. There are lots of different roles available. Apply online via the Third Sector Kirklees website or give them a call on 01484 519 053,
Mental Health Support online
If you need mental health support, visit our dedicated Mental Health webpages. With advice on how to take care of your mental health and wellbeing or if you need support in a crisis.
Positive Minds
Through the Works Better programme, which supports people looking for work, we’re offering a range of mental health support to young people between the ages of 15 and 25. This ranges from support online and by phone to in-person sessions and peer support. Find out more about the help we offer, and hear from young people who’ve benefitted from the Positive Minds scheme already.
Mental Health First Aid workshop
Our Mental Health First Aid workshop is about helping you spot signs of mental ill health, providing an understanding of common mental health issues, and teaching you how to provide basic support when someone’s struggling. You’ll develop an understanding of the support available across Kirklees, so you know where to go and where to direct someone in need. You can sign up through your MyKirklees account.