Inspirational author Madeleine Black to give talk at Aberdeen library
07 October 2019
Madeleine Black, an inspirational speaker and author of Unbroken, is hosting a special event in Aberdeen next week.
Madeleine will be sharing her story at Airyhall Library on Springfield Road on Wednesday 16 October from 6-7.30pm with the title: We are not defined by what knocks us down – we are defined by how we get back up.
Madeleine’s talk will focus on the huge impact sexual violence has on victims and particularly their mental health.
Through the sharing of her own story Madeleine will highlight the impact sexual violence as a teenager had on the course of her life.
Madeleine first shared her story publicly on The Forgiveness Project’s website in September 2014 and is one of the project’s story healers, credited with giving many women and men strength and hope.
Councillor Claire Imrie, Aberdeen City Council’s mental health spokeswoman, said: “As Aberdeen City Council this week marks Mental Health Awareness Week it’s great to welcome Madeleine to Airyhall next Wednesday to give such an inspirational talk.
“The stigma attached to sexual violence and the subsequent mental trauma are things that so many victims suffer in silence. As a council we are working hard with our partners, to address all forms of mental health-related stigmas and to signpost those affected to where they can receive appropriate support.”
Madeleine’s experience of a sexual crime as a teenager is not unusual with 40% of the 12,487 sexual crimes reported to the police in Scotland in 2017/18 related to victim under the age of 18. However, Madeleine’s story shows there is hope
Madeleine is a psychotherapist who has become an “accidental speaker” and her inspirational and healing story is part of Aberdeen City Libraries health and wellbeing programme.
Further information and support will be available at the event from Rape Crisis Grampian and there will be the opportunity to buy her book following the main event.
Booking for this event is essential. It is open to all but recommended for those over the age of 16. To book a free space email libraryevents@aberdeencity.gov.uk or call 01224 652500.
To mark World Mental Health Day on 10 October, Aberdeen City Council will also be playing host to a special talk ‘The Healing Space’ in the Town House’s Town and County Hall from 9.30-11.50am.
The talk is open to the public and will be delivered by Russell Arthur, Project Lead, Royal Cornhill Hospital, Fiona Musk, NHS Archivist, Liz Howarth Public Engagement Officer NHS Grampian and Matthew Brooks from See Me Scotland Campaign.
The discussion - a unique opportunity to gain more understanding on the topic of mental health - will take participants through the ages of mental health services in Aberdeen from the old days of Kingseat Hospital to the newly refurbished Royal Cornhill Hospital, giving an insight into the major improvements that are being made to this valuable service.
To read more about this event and book your place, visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-healing-space-breaking-the-stigma-past-to-present-kingseat-hospitalroyal-cornhill-hospitalsee-tickets-67985639879?ref=ecal