Derry Youth Ambassadors host human experience library

A group of young people from the Bogside & Brandywell Health Forum hosted a ‘human experience library’ in Creggan last week. The unique event, held in Seán Dolans GAC, was  organised by the Health Forum’s ‘Youth Ambassadors,’ bringing together notable figures from  the community to share their life experiences.  

Young people from across the city had the chance to ‘borrow’ a person as opposed to a book for ten minute blocks and ask relevant questions, listen and interact with figures such as  Children in Crossfire’s Richard Moore, and ‘10 in 10’ triathlete and mental health advocate, Danny Quigley.  

Michaela O’Hagan, Youth Services Manager at the Bogside & Brandywell Health Forum,  (BBHF), said it was ‘inspiring’ to watch the young people engaging and listening to individual  stories often of struggle and perseverance. 

“We are so proud of our Youth Ambassadors, who wanted to organise this event for their  peers,” she said. 

“I think what made the event such a success was the diverse line-up of ‘human books’ to  choose from. The young people in attendance had the chance to ask questions that were  important to them and giving them that autonomy I feel, made it more of an authentic  experience for all involved. It also gave our young people access to people from different  cultures that normally they wouldn’t get the chance to interact with.” 

The human experience library also benefited from the attendance of North West Spectrum,  a group for autistic young adults, members from the Museum of Free Derry, breast-feeding  advocacy and perinatal support group; North West BAPS and Eritrean native; Zeweldi Geresus.

With other ‘human books’ from across the community in attendance, there was a rich  tapestry of experiences to choose from for the young people.  

Some of the mothers from North West BAPS share their life’s experiences with the Youth Ambassadors on Friday.

Michaela also said: “This event is just one of the many events our Youth Ambassadors have planned with lots  more to come in the coming months. We are lucky to have a group of young people eager to  shape not only their own futures, but the communities they come from for the better.

“At  BBHF, we will continue to nurture their ambitions to help improve the health & wellbeing of  communities here in the North West.”