I hope this page will grow in time, inspired by people, events or chance meetings that bring a different, empowering and inspirational perspective to mental health and wellbeing.
Books-on-prescription: The Reading Well booklists are supported by the NHS and the British Psychological Society as well as many mental health charities. The website includes lists of books according to age or topic, which can help you understand and manage your health and wellbeing. There is also a list of mood-boosting books.
Bobby Baker's Diary Drawings: Bobby Baker is an artist who has suffered from physical and mental illness. Her book 'Diary Drawings: Mental Illness and Me' is a touching, shocking and humorous picture-based portrayal of her journey from illness (both mental and physical) to recovery. Her organisation, Daily Life Ltd., presents inspirational art projects and encourages "people with mental health problems to be valued for their strengths, insight and creativity".
The Living Museum: Originally started in the USA at the Creedmoor Psychiatric Centre in New York, Living Museums have opened up in Holland, South Korea and Switzerland. They organized an international get-together in 2017 called Transutopia, which has a Facebook group.
The Human Library: This Danish non-profit organisation offers learning opportunities to help challenge stereotypes. Their website provides short summaries of their 'human books': a library of people representing groups of people who can be stigmatised, stereotyped and discriminated against because of the way they look, a diagnosis, belief system or lifestyle choice. The organisation hosts events in museums, schools, libraries and corporate companies where their volunteers are available for open dialogue and conversations about difficult questions and taboo subjects relating to their circumstances.
Rufus May: A British clinical psychologist promoting a more positive approach to mental illness and psychotic experiences. His website includes a documentary on his own experience of hearing voices.