The Storybook of Bodmin

A fun, interactive installation in the form of a walk-in book by Amanda Young and SkillSHARE participants.

A fun, interactive installation in the form of a walk-in book dedicated to the life-stories of our participants, offering visitors the opportunity to engage with the story-telling aspect of the project and to explore their own narratives as a result. The Storybook of Bodmin aims to see people come out of the shadows to recognise and discover their own significance through its pages, thus exploring their own mental and physical health and aspirations, and the place of Bodmin within this.

SkillSHARE is an initiative of Bodmin Light and Life Church which meets weekly on a Tuesday afternoon. SkillSHARErs experience a range of circumstances from bereavement and mental and physical health struggles, to isolation, unemployment and family breakdown. Participating in The Storybook of Bodmin has brought a new sense of pride in their town and the part that their story plays within it. This project has brought them together with a common purpose, discussion and debate, together with the learning of new skills, which has led to increased self-confidence and self-awareness. We are grateful for this opportunity.

Practicalities: The site is wheelchair accessible.

Amanda Young is a Bodmin-based artist/illustrator and Community Creative Practitioner sharing her skills with isolated individuals and offering group support/teaching. Her Christian beliefs and ethics have drawn her to work with SkillSHARE Bodmin for the past three years. Her creative practice is driven by her desire to see raised self-esteem and self-awareness in those living with depression and a sense of feeling trapped or useless. Research shows the therapeutic and community benefits of group work that encourages self-expression and positive self-image as well as benefits in calming anxiety. Amanda’s personal creative journey and study reflects this in her own life as she seeks to facilitate similar self-discovery and transition for individuals into hope, resilience and future achievements on their trajectory of self-actualisation.