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california MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE
Community libraries have become places of refuge for the homeless...
THE GROWING PRESENCE OF THOSE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS IN OUR LIBRARIES IS STRETCHING THE MISSION AND SCOPE OF LIBRARIANS’ RESOURCES AND CAPABILITIES.
In this award-winning episodic video series, Highlander Studios takes a deep dive into our shared humanity, the spectrum of players, and provides tools and equipping for deeper understanding and new levels of expertise to this very complex issue.
A Vital Training Series
Helping Librarians navigate the influx of homeless in their library with compassion and effectiveness.
Two TELLY AWARD Winner
Establishing a Positive Staff Culture Around Mental Health
SUZIE'S STORY (01:59)
This episode vividly demonstrates the profound impact of experience, maturity and personal trials on fostering a compassionate perspective towards individuals facing homelessness.
The "Dos and Don'ts" of Interacting with Patrons Affected by Mental Illness
DAISY'S STORY (02:01)
Individuals facing homelessness feel isolated, vulnerable and fearful. This episode highlights how approaching them with gentleness, patience and respect can profoundly enhance helpful interactions that seek to provide support.
How to Establish Positive Relationships with Disruptive Patrons
SARGE'S STORY (01:37)
Interacting with individuals experiencing mental illness requires a nuanced approach, acknowledging that their delusions are their perceived reality. This episode highlights the importance of engaging with empathy and respect in the hopes of reaching a positive and constructive outcome.
Addressing Complaints About Patrons Affected by Mental Health
NURI'S STORY (01:10)
When community libraries become frequented by homeless patrons suffering from mental illness, it can evoke feelings of fear, unease, and frustration among other library visitors. In such situations, demanding the removal of these individuals may seem like a quick fix, but true good customer service demands a more empathetic and comprehensive approach.
Additional Episodes from this Series
Series Introduction
Communities across America have public libraries that open their doors to everyone. In recent years, more and more homeless men, women, and children have taken refuge in their local libraries. Because of their desperate situation, they often suffer from mental illness. They can exhibit disruptive behavior that make other library patrons feel uneasy and unsafe.The California Mental Health Initiative video training series was produced to provide valuable tools and lessons to feel more confident to compassionately serve the special needs in the diverse and changing world that is at their door.
The Homeless Experience
Exploring Compassion Fatigue
Exploring New Approaches
Natural and Human-Caused Disasters
Bullying
Mental Health Conversations
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