Human Library
Building a compassionate workforce through lived experience
As part of the Compassionate Shetland Improvement Programme, the Shetland Partnership hosted Human Library sessions to help staff and leaders explore stigma, diversity, and inclusion. Coordinated locally by Lewie Peterson, Partnership Officer at Shetland Islands Council, the sessions offered a powerful way to learn directly from people with lived experience.
The Human Library, originally developed in Copenhagen and now delivered in over 80 countries, allows participants to “borrow” a person – or “book” – and hear their story first-hand. In Shetland, around 50 staff and leaders from local services took part online, engaging in open and honest conversations with people representing experiences such as disability, bereavement, obesity, neurodiversity, and being transgender. Participants were encouraged to ask questions they might normally avoid, with the aim of reducing stigma and broadening understanding.
Impact
The evaluations showed a strong impact on attitudes and behaviours. All participants agreed that the sessions had changed the way they interact with people at work, and that they felt inspired to adopt a more open-minded approach. Almost 90% reported gaining new knowledge about a particular group that would help them in the future.
Comments included:
“Hearing lived experience has lodged things I knew in theory into a different space in my head and heart because I heard the story, not just evidence.”
“Learned the importance of getting to know someone, listening well, and not making assumptions.”
“Be curious about people’s stories and be ready to hear them.”
Learning and next steps
The sessions proved to be powerful and, at times, emotional for participants. Facilitators noted the importance of giving people space to reflect afterwards, which was built into the sessions and highly valued. Some partners are already exploring further use of the Human Library, including the University of the Highlands and Islands, which recently ran a session during an in-service day.
The initiative has also prompted reflection on whether Shetland could strengthen opportunities for people with lived experience to share their stories more locally, supported in safe and empowering ways.
Contribution to the Shetland Partnership
- Participation: Encouraging staff and leaders to engage directly with people from diverse backgrounds.
- People: Promoting compassion, understanding, and inclusion in services and workplaces.
- Place: Strengthening Shetland as a community where stigma is reduced, and diversity is valued.
- Money: Supporting early intervention and reducing longer-term costs linked to stigma and exclusion.