Are you from a Black or Ethnic Minority Background? Do you have experience of Safeguards? Are you open to sharing your experiences?

Safeguarding Essex is facilitating its first ‘Human Library’ event in September. If you answered yes to any of the above – you could be one of the’ books’ or librarians!

This event will be part of a multi-cultural event being held in on Saturday 7th September at The Minories, Colchester. It is an exciting opportunity to reach some harder to reach sectors of the community and sharing information about Safeguarding in a different way.

What Is a 'Human Library’?

The concept of a Human Library began in Denmark with The Human Library group responsible for its growth and development. Human library events have since taken place world- wide (www.humanlibrary.org).

People volunteer as ‘living books’ and take on an appropriate title which reflects their experiences, lifestyle or interests. ‘Readers’ borrow books and ‘read’ them during an event through one to one conversations.Books can be borrowed for a short ‘loan’ period of 15-20 minutes.

Human libraries provide opportunities to:

• Break barriers between different groups;
• Challenge discrimination, assumptions and stereotypes;
• Promote community interaction and cohesion.

Safeguarding Essex needs you! Without your help there will be no books, library or event.



Image location:
http://ptpbooks.wordpress.com/2010/10/22/human-library/



If you are from a Black or Ethnic Minority Background, you have experience of Safeguards and you are you open to sharing your experiences on a one to one basis with others, to challenge your own assumptions and those of others please contact Catriona by email or phone if you are interested in taking part.

Catriona Wheadon

catriona.wheadon2@essex.gov.uk
Tel: 07827 255990