Psychology for Everyday Life comes to local libraries with new expert talk series

Libraries across Northern Ireland will welcome leading psychologists this autumn for a new series of talks exploring everything from artificial intelligence and sport to wellbeing, childhood and avoiding burnout.

Psychology for Everyday Life will bring five expert speakers to Libraries NI venues during October and November, giving members of the public the opportunity to hear directly from psychologists working across a range of fields.

As part of the British Psychological Society's 70th anniversary celebrations, the Northern Ireland Branch is hosting the series of talks in libraries across Northern Ireland exploring how psychology can help us better understand some of the issues and experiences that affect our everyday lives.

The programme begins in Lisburn City Library on Thursday 1 October at 6:45pm with Dr Lee-Ann Sharp, Lecturer in Sport and Exercise Psychology at Ulster University and a Chartered Sport Psychologist. Her Train Your Mind session will look at the psychology behind motivation, managing pressure and wellbeing, with practical techniques that can be applied not only to sport and exercise, but also to work, education and everyday life.

On Wednesday 7 October at 7:00pm, Omagh Library will welcome Dr Sarah Meekin, Head of Psychological Services at Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, for Managing Big Emotions. The session will explore how understanding and managing our own emotions can help us support our children compassionately, with practical ways to help them recognise and understand their emotions and build skills for resilience and wellbeing.

The following evening, Thursday 8 October at 6:00pm, Dr Lydia Devenney from The Open University will be at Derry Central Library for When the Mind Meets Artificial Intelligence. The session will take a closer look at how AI already influences everyday life, how the technology works and what increasing use of AI could mean for our own skills and thinking. Designed for everyone from enthusiastic AI users to those who would rather avoid it, the talk will offer an accessible opportunity to better understand a technology that is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

On Thursday 5 November at 6:30pm, Dr Sinéad Eccles from The Open University and the Northern Ireland Branch of the BPS will visit Newry City Library for A Hug for Your Brain – Everyday Wellbeing. The interactive session will explore how the brain influences our thoughts, emotions and behaviour, as well as the biological, psychological and social factors that can affect how we feel. Sinéad will also introduce some of the brain’s ‘feel-good chemicals’ and share simple, evidence-informed strategies that people can use in everyday life to support their wellbeing, resilience and brain health.

The series concludes on Thursday 12 November at Bangor Carnegie Library at 6:30pm with Professor Ross White, an award-winning clinical psychologist and author of The Tree That Bends: How a Flexible Mind Can Help You Thrive. Avoiding Burnout: Balancing Your Get, Threat & Reset Modes will explore what burnout is, how to recognise its early warning signs and practical, evidence-informed strategies that can help people recharge, recover and thrive.

Libraries NI Chief Executive Jim O’Hagan said:

“We are delighted to be working with the Northern Ireland Branch of the British Psychological Society to bring this excellent programme of speakers to libraries across Northern Ireland.

“With such a varied and interesting programme, these events are a great opportunity to hear directly from experts in their fields and take away practical insights that can be useful in everyday life.

“I would encourage everyone to have a look at the programme and book a place at an event near them.”

Dr Sinéad Eccles added:

"I am particularly excited to be involved in this collaboration between The Open University, the Northern Ireland Branch of the British Psychological Society and Libraries NI.

“Bringing psychology beyond the classroom and into local communities is something I am passionate about. These events offer a wonderful opportunity for people to engage with psychological science, ask questions and explore how research can help us better understand ourselves and the world around us."

Psychology for Everyday Life events:

Thursday 1 October – Lisburn City Library

Train Your Mind: Practical Psychology for Sport, Exercise and Life

Dr Lee-Ann Sharp, Ulster University

Time: 6:45pm

Wednesday 7 October – Omagh Library

Managing Big Emotions

Dr Sarah Meekin, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust

Time: 7:00pm

Thursday 8 October – Derry Central Library

When the Mind Meets Artificial Intelligence

Dr Lydia Devenney, The Open University

Time: 6:00pm

Thursday 5 November – Newry City Library

A Hug for Your Brain – Everyday Wellbeing

Dr Sinéad Eccles, The Open University / Northern Ireland Branch of the British Psychological Society

Time: 6:30pm

Thursday 12 November – Bangor Carnegie Library

Avoiding Burnout: Balancing Your Get, Threat & Reset Modes

Professor Ross White, Queen’s University Belfast

Time: 6:30pm

All events are free to attend, but booking is essential by contacting the participating library directly. Find contact details here.