This Friday, November 17th, the Solas Drop In Centre in conjunction with Monaghan County Library will be hosting a Human Library pilot project for Social Inclusion Week 2023. The idea is that instead of exchanging a book, people will exchange stories, a concept which was started in Denmark and has spread to 50 other countries.
Alice O'Neill is the co-founder and current chairperson of the Solas Drop in Centre. Speaking to Northern Sound, Alice said that Friday is "guaranteed" to be a fun, friendly and innovative event and is open to everyone. Ms O'Neill who has been at the helm of the local group since its inception back in 2001 said that Solas is a friendly and welcoming pillar of support to people across Co Monaghan.
She added that the centre was established as a response to the needs of people who, on discharge from the mental health services, identified social exclusion as being a major barrier. "The purpose of it was to challenge stigma and stereotypes, to overcome prejudice and to de-stigmatise disability," Alice said, "It's for people of all ethnic origins," she added, "It's to get people together really to exchange stories rather than books. I would encourage as many as possible to come in and have a cup of tea and a chat, to tell your story and hear someone else's story."
