Breaking the silence. Let’s talk about suicide.

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Breaking the silence – World Suicide Prevention Day, Let’s talk about suicide. 

      "Human Library at University of Essex" by University of Essex is marked with CC BY 2.0.

On the 10th of September. We are breaking the silence for World Suicide Prevention Day. We are talking about suicide. 

     Where: The event will be held at the Pearl Cove Library in the Pearl Room.

When: On Friday the 10^th of September, 2021. The event will run from 1:00 to 5:00 pm.

Talking about suicide has always been a taboo. But it happens more than you think, closer than you think, and more than any of us want. It happens but no one talks about it. Why do they do it? What happens to the family and friends left behind? And how can we prevent it from happing again? 

So we are going to do it! We will challenge the social stigma around talking about suicide, and the assumptions we hold about people who attempt suicide. We will open the conversation to recognize the importance we all place in suicide prevention; and answer some of our burning questions while doing it. 

We are holding a Human Living Library event! 

What's is a human library? Human Libraries reduce social stigmas, challenge stereotypes, and promote an acceptance of others; by allowing readers to book, listen, and interact with the stories of real people. 

The books in the living library are people! The stories from the living libraries are real, the people right in front of your eyes. You can ask people questions you have always wanted answered but never felt comfortable to ask. Human Library events focus on breaking down these stereotypes and assumptions about others and encourage acceptance. 

This event will be focused on suicide. Our books are the families effected by suicide, people who attempted suicide, and experienced suicidal behaviors. We will all work together to break down these social barriers and recognize the signs that could lead to suicide.

Want to learn more about Human Libraries? Check out the Human Libraries Australia webpage. 

We will be holding private reading sessions from 1:30 to 5pm with our 10 humans books. You will be talking with the book of your choice one on one for 30 minutes. Check out our books and book a session below!

Our Human Books!

     h                                            

                                   "I almost died"                                     "I attempted suicide"                                                                     - Alice Alison                                          - Steve Rogers      

                 

                         "I am the family left behind"                               "I self harmed"   

                                  - Darth Vader                                              - James Bond 

                                                       

                    "The aboriginal that experienced                          "I lost my best friend"                                                            it all" - Sherlock Homes                             - Sam Samson

                                                          

                                "How I told my fiancé I                             "My family shamed me"                                                          wanted to die"  - Anthony Stark                      - James Barns          

                     

                                    

                               "I lost a loved one, I wanted                   "How my Asian family reacted"  

                               to join them"- Peter Parker                             - Clint Barton

                                            

Interested in a book? Click here and book one now

We hope to see you there!

Pearl Cove Libraries - Event Manager - Lauren Watson.

    

Be GambleAware: Check in + Share

'Gambling in Neon' by www.david baxendale.com / Flickr

Join us at Pearl Cove Library this October for another exciting event in our Human Library series. To coincide with NSW GambleAware Week, the theme this month is Be GambleAware: Check in + Share. This is an 18+ event for anyone in our community affected by - or curious to learn about - gambling addiction. 

Simply register for a thought-provoking chat with our human 'books'.

What is a Human Library?

Human Libraries are libraries where the 'books' are people! Borrow a 'book' for a one-on-one conversation on a theme based on that 'book’s' experience. 

The purpose of Human Libraries is to challenge stigma, prejudice and stereotypes in order to support diversity and inclusion in our community. Previous events held at Pearl Cove Library include themes of: autism, mental health, LGBTIQA+, minority cultures and subcultures.

The 'books':

1. Emmanuel 'Lucky' Peterson - former Sportsbet addict, motivational speaker and founder of Punt the Punt
2. Jane - family member of a gambling addict
3. Noni - anti-gambling campaigner
4. Monaro - Indigenous community services worker

Details:

Location: Pearl Cove Library, Pearl Room

Date: Saturday 23rd October, 2021

Time: 2PM to 5PM

Cost: $10/person

Light refreshments provided.

How to register:

Book online or phone 01 1111 1111 to register for this event.

Register now

Shattering Stereotypes: The Many Faces of Cerebral Palsy

Shattering Stereotypes: The Many Faces of Cerebral Palsy

Friday, 9 October 2020

5 PM to 8:15 PM

Where: Pearl Cove Central Library,

Cove St., Pearl Cove

Elaine Bowker Conversation and Study Space

A short walk from Pearl Cove Station

 

Suitable for patrons 14 years and over

A Pearl Cove Human Library Event

(Photo credit: “Men’s maroon polo shirt” by Elevate on Unsplash, https://unsplash.com/photos/vofmJUVScDE)

Fast Facts About Cerebral Palsy

Around the world, 17 million people, including around 34,000 Australians, live with cerebral palsy or CP. Cerebral palsy is an umbrella term for a group of neurological disorders caused by damage to the brain.

People with CP have some form of lifelong physical disability which affects their muscle tone and motor skills to varying degrees.

No two people living with the condition have the same experience, so each person has a different story to tell! They may use a walking frame or a wheelchair, be unable to speak, and/or need assistance eating, dressing, and showering. Some may only have a limp. Like people with other conditions, those with CP don’t want to be defined only by their disability, although many are proud to identify as disabled.

Want to know more about life with cerebral palsy? Head over to:

·       Cerebral Palsy Alliance at https://cerebralpalsy.org.au/

·       Cerebral Palsy Australia at https://cpaustralia.com.au/

·       Sue O’Reilly’s Angry Cripple column at https://www.abc.net.au/rampup/articles/2011/06/29/3256373.htm

·      The American comedy Speechless, a sitcom about a teen who lives with severe cerebral palsy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4u55WK6AbaM

What is a Human Living Library?

The Human Library allows you, the reader, to borrow someone for a half-hour chat about your lives and experiences. The exchange of knowledge and insight is power and what you do with it is up to you.

11 books with lived experience of CP will be available for you to consult on Friday 9 October at our Living Libraries event which runs from 5 PM to 8:15 PM. Come join this fun and free conversation!

Feeling eco-friendly? Why not use public transport or come on foot? It's a 10-minute walk from Pearl Cove Central Library to Pearl Cove Train Station or a five-minute walk from the nearest bus stop.

Don’t miss out – book your reading session today. Simply click the Eventbrite button below and choose a slot that suits you. Session times are limited and bookings are essential. Light refreshments are provided. For more information, please call 02 9217 4000 to speak to a library staff member.

Posted by Estelle Borrey

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Human Library x PCL - Life Goes On: the Life-Changing Magic of Organ Donation

When: Saturday 20th July, 2019

Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm

Where: Pearl Cove Library Courtyard,
               11 Dolphin St.
               Pearl Cove 1111

How much: Free!

Book: https://eventbrite.com.au/lifegoeson


Have you ever wondered...

Who can become an organ donor?

Who does organ donation benefit?

Is organ donation against my religion?

Learn the answers to these questions and more at the 'Life Goes On: the Life-Changing Magic of Organ Donation' Human Library event. 

The life-changing magic of organ donation
Currently, more than 1400 Australians are wait-listed for an organ transplant. Organ donation transforms the lives of both recipients and their families, yet myths and misinformation abound. 
Challenge your preconceptions and learn how organ donation changes lives, who can donate, donation and religion, and so much more.

The Human Library - where the books are human beings

The Human Library's motto is "Unjudge someone". Since 2000, the Human Library has hosted events around the world where people can come together to share their knowledge and experiences in a safe space. Attendees can borrow human "books" and hear their stories, expanding their worldview and challenging stereotypes. 
At the Human Library, the taboo is the norm and all cards are on the table.

Meet the Books
Lachlan Ross: Indigenous community leader, activist for improved care and access to transplants for Aboriginal patients, and organ transplant recipient.
Mohammad Farran: 15-year-old Mohammad received a heart transplant at age 10, and was an ambassador for the 2016 Australian Transplant Games.
Jessica Southers: Received a cornea transplant at 19 that restored her sight, and is now herself a registered donor.
Mary Chan: Chinese-Australian kidney transplant recipient.
Jane Doe: Jane's son, a registered organ and tissue donor, passed away at age 21, saving many lives through his gift of donation.
Dr Paul Lawton: Kidney specialist at the Menzies School of Health Research, who has spent most of his career working in clinics in Indigenous communities.
John Smith: Counsellor at the National DonateLife Family Support Service, providing support for donor families before, during and after the donation process.


Join us on Saturday 20th July for an afternoon of thoughtful conversation and learning new perspectives. Talk to experts and those in our community whose lives have been touched by a gift of organ donation.


Bookings essential! To book, visit https://eventbrite.com.au/lifegoeson

For more event details, contact Janice Smith on 9899 1111 or email janice.smith@pcl.gov.au

To learn more about the Human Library, visit https://humanlibrary.org
For more information on organ and tissue donation, visit https://donatelife.gov.au

Courage, Creativity and Leadership: Celebrating Women at Pearl Cove Library

Image credit: "Cheerful businesswomen relaxing at a cafe" by Rawpixel Ltd is licenced under CC by 2.0. Original image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/byrawpixel/45739277082/in/photostream/ 

Learn how to be your own heroine – come celebrate International Women’s Day at Pearl Cove Library! 

At our exciting "Living Libraries" free event, you have the chance to “borrow” one of our Living Books - four inspiring local women who’ve achieved success in diverse fields. 

Book your spot for a rare opportunity to experience the Living Libraries phenomenon that began in Denmark in 2000 and has since become a global movement for positive social change. 

Our four Living Books can be borrowed for 20-minute chats about just about anything! This event aims to bring diverse voices into challenging and exciting conversations, so no question is taboo.

Featuring: four extraordinary women self-described as "an Indigenous Australian scientist", "an LGBTQIA+ sportsperson", "a refugee author", and "a disabled business owner". Come meet the woman behind the stereotype!

Date: Saturday May 11, 2019

Time: 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm

Venue: Pearl Cove Library – Pearl Room 

Tickets: Free event - Bookings essential. Light refreshments provided. 

Register today at the Library or online by clicking the link [here]

Pearl Cove Library Events Team

Phone: (04) 9438 4777

Email: events@pearlcovelibraries.com

Image credit: "Businesswomen in a fist bump" by Rawpixel Ltd is licenced under CC by 2.0 Original image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/byrawpixel/45739277262/in/photostream/

Student Name: Rosanna Kellett

Making your community a home - Meet your LGBTQ+ neighbours.

(image from unsplash.com)

Have a talk with the folk that are putting an end to homelessness in our LGBTQ+ youth. Meet and check out our "Living Books" who will talk about their experience with LGBTQ+ homelessness and what we can do to reduce it's prevalence in our streets.
Tea and biscuits will be provided while you engage in conversation.

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Meet our books:

Jay McGrath – Indigenous Australian who faced homelessness as a teen due to coming out as gay.

Amy Harper – Counsellor at twenty10, a Sydney based service that provides housing and counselling support for LGBT youth.

Noah White – head of the community homelessness outreach at Pearl Cove Community Centre

Miranda Noel – LGBT activist and volunteer at Pearl Cove Community Centre

Learn more about twenty10.

When: 7/6/2019 from 11:00a.m. - 5:30p.m.

Where: Pearl Cove Council Meeting Room

Please book through the Pearl Cove Library website

Edward Zhou

You Don't Walk Alone: conversations about violence against women

(image source: unsplash)

There are a lot of things that go unsaid; things that women trade like secrets in the dark, on the phone, in the honest spaces of silence when it’s just women. These are the stories of experiences that no one should have to live through – times when carrying your keys in your fist wasn’t enough, when the simple catcall turned out to be more. These are the stories of our mothers, our grandmothers, the culmination of their warnings and wise words – these are the reality for women everywhere.

Pearl Cove Library will be discussing the issue of violence against women at our Human Living Library event in November. The day will be hosted at Pearl Cove Contemporary art space, and will feature human ‘books’ who will be available to be ‘borrowed’ to discuss their experiences with violence. Each session will be intimate, honest, and compelling – spaces are limited, so book today to ensure your spot is reserved.

If this post raised any issues for you, please contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or visit their website.

The Pearl Cove Library is proud to partner with The Centre for Women’s Mental Health, Kick Start! : women’s self defense classes, Justice in the Cove, and Home Away From Home.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: November 22^nd, 2019 at 12pm.

Location: Pearl Cove Contemporary, corner of Waterstone Rd and Thistle St.

Bookings: via Eventbrite.

Cost: free.

Contact: inquiries can be directed to Carlie Soltys, Event Committee Liaison, on 0403 812 359 or carliesoltys@pearlcove.gov.au

More Than a Number

Event Details

Sunday, 22^nd March 2020

11am – 2pm

Pearl Room,431 Gem Road, Pearl Cove, NSW
Free Event

Register Here

This event is fully accessible to wheelchairs.

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Labels are for tinned food not people. Refugees in Australian society are given a number, a label and then promptly forgotten. You can change this. Come and have a conversation with our newest community members and understand the human behind the label.

These conversations will take place as a Human Living Library. Like a normal library, our “books” will be available to be borrowed. But, our “books” will be real people. You might converse with a recently settled refugee; a university student with a refugee background; a journalist studying refugee migration; or an elder from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Committee.

The event carries on the Council’s commitment to making Pearl Cove a Refugee Welcome Zone.  We hope these conversations will begin to breakdown stigmas and create a more inclusive community.

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Interested in this event? We recommend these books from our catalogue for further reading:

• Helen Fielding, Cause celeb
• Jean E. Calder, Where the road leads
• Peter Mares, Borderline: Australia's treatment of refugees and asylum seekers
• Kooshyar Karimi, Journey of a thousand storms
• David Nyuol Vincent, The boy who wouldn't die
• John Dale, Plenty
• Judy Nuun, Heritage
• Leah Chishugi, A long way from paradise
• Frank Brennan, Tampering with asylum

Register Here

Any questions or inquiries, please contact Wai Ki Raymond Mak by email at: raymak@pearlcove.gov.au  or call 0421 321 121

This event is presented in partnership with Harmony Week.

Image credit: Harmony Week 

Wai Ki Raymond Mak

Pink Ribbon Day at Pearl Cove Library

Pearl Cove Library is thrilled to announce their Living Library event this October! 

 PINK RIBBON DAY

Friday, 12 October, 2018

10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Pearl Room, Pearl Cove Library

Book your tickets via Eventbrite!

(Proceeds from the tickets go to Pink Ribbon, Cancer Council)

Cost: $10

Pearl Cove Library is helping raise awareness about cancer in the community by organising a living library event. Our living books are here to share their stories and their journey with you, the reader. You can 'borrow' the living books and have a one-on-one chat with them. Learn about their personal experiences, their trials and troubles. You can be a source of support and inspiration to someone you know who is suffering from cancer. Come, spend time with our amazing living books and share your experience with friends and family! Enjoy morning tea and snacks after the event! 

Find out more about how you can help at https://www.pinkribbon.com.au/

For more information about living libraries, go to http://humanlibrary.org/

Komal Jacco