Visit the Powerful INSPIRED Exhibition in Lisburn City Library

Lisburn City Library is inviting the local community to visit INSPIRED, a powerful and moving exhibition currently on display, celebrating 65 years of the mental health and wellbeing charity, Inspire.
The INSPIRED exhibition brings together personal stories from Inspire’s service users, staff, and volunteers, offering a glimpse into the impact the charity has had on lives across Northern Ireland. Using everyday objects such as a set of car jump-leads, a 1970s iron, a pair of running shoes and a front door key, each item reveals a personal memory, narrated in the storytellers’ own voices. These honest reflections capture moments of struggle, resilience, and hope.
The contributors include a wide range of individuals, from two survivors of a mother and baby home, now aged in their 90s, to a young man who uses music to communicate. Each story underlines Inspire’s commitment to supporting people from all walks of life over the past six decades.

Kerry Anthony MBE, Chief Executive of Inspire, said:
“As we mark the 65th anniversary of Inspire, we have been reflecting upon how the values that shape our mission today are inextricably linked to that first Beacon centre: to improve lives, ensure that people are treated fairly, and create the conditions in which everyone may live with dignity and reach their full potential. It was so-named as a sign of light.
“Six decades later, I am proud to lead this very special organisation that shines a light of hope and changes the lives of thousands every year.”
 
Dr Jim O’Hagan, Chief Executive of Libraries NI, added:
“We are delighted to host the INSPIRED exhibition in our libraries and bring these powerful stories to communities across Northern Ireland. Libraries are places where people come together, and this touring exhibition offers a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with personal journeys of resilience and hope, highlighting the importance of our mental health and wellbeing. I would encourage everyone to call into their local participating library to view the exhibition first hand.”
 
INSPIRED is free to view during normal library opening hours.
For more information, visit www.inspirewellbeing.org/inspired or contact Lisburn City Library on 028 9266 9345 or email lisburn.city@librariesni.org.uk.