Library staff gained a better understanding about the role of “lived experience” in health information.
Case study: Comics and Cosplay – Caring for Young Minds, Oldham Libraries
OLDHAM Libraries’ project, Comics and Cosplay, brought together art, theatre and comics to open up discussions about men- tal health among young people in Oldham. The project used theatre performances and workshops to engage with young people about issues they faced on a daily basis, such as mental health challenges, and subjects that were important to them. A unique comic was produced for the library service, bringing together all of these different issues, and this was launched at a Comic Con at Oldham Central Library attended by 6,000 people.
The project began with performances of a play commissioned by the library service, A Standard Day, by Oldham Theatre Workshop. The play explored mental health issues experienced by young people, which included social anxiety and the im- pact of social media. Workshops were held following the performance to explore the play’s themes.
Jack and Lucy
The library service produced a comic, Jack and Lucy (see right), on the basis of the play and workshops with a range of partners. A key partner was Sara Kenney, a Wellcome Engagement Fellow who was introduced to project staff by the Wellcome Trust. Sara is an experienced broadcaster and comic creator, who helped to connect library staff with others such as a colourist
38 INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL
and editor to produce the comic. These new partnerships helped to create a high quality, professional comic and a strong relationship between the project staff and Sara Kenney. The artist and writer had attended the workshops to ensure that the comic was informed by the issues raised by young people in Oldham. Oldham Libraries’ Comic Con was held in May 2018. Over 10,000 copies of the comic Jack and Lucy were distributed,
and the comic writer and artist attended the Comic Con to sign copies and take part in a panel discussion. The Comic Con attracted new audiences to the Library, and the library used this as an opportunity to promote their Shelf Help collection, graphic novels and Borrow- Box resources.
Following the Comic Con, partners continued to promote Jack and Lucy and their partnership with the library service by taking the comic to other Comic Cons and exhibitions they were attending, including international events. Copies of Jack and Lucy were also distributed in libraries across the North West, at Healthy Young Minds clinics and in schools. The comic is avail- able online through Oldham Libraries’ website.1
Lived experience
The partnerships in Oldham Libraries’ project were very successful, with clear benefits for the library service. Library staff gained a better understanding about the role of “lived experiences” in health information, and they used this experience to work with Manchester University NHS Trust on a new radi- otherapy project.2
Staff used contacts
made through the Engaging Libraries process to bring new partners into this project. l
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