New chapter for Literary Festival

Sunday 23 February 2020

Healthcare workers and their families will be treated to free talks at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital during the Guernsey Literary Festival.

As part of the Guernsey Literary Community Programme, sponsored by Rothschild & Co. author and campaigner Nicci Gerrard will be giving a talk on ‘What Dementia Teaches Us About Love’ and Emmy-winning scriptwriter Andy Riley will be offering an interactive free children’s event.

Ms Gerrard's book, ‘What Dementia Teaches Us About Love’, has been described as 'Immensely powerful . . . her investigation of this terrible illness is sensitive and compelling' (Sunday Times). After her own father's death from dementia, the author set out to explore the illness and considers what dementia means for those who live with it, and those who care for them. 

Mr Riley is an author and illustrator of 16 books, including the King Flashypants series, and it is these books - comedy adventure stories for children between ages five and ten - that his talk will focus on.

@GuernseyLitFest is working in partnership with Health & Social Care to offer healthcare workers and their families free talks at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital. Read more here: https://t.co/CpdT05Zinl pic.twitter.com/HnPTFjcJE4

— States of Guernsey (@Govgg) February 21, 2020

The Guernsey Literary Festival Director Claire Allen said she was delighted to be able to offer these events with the support of sponsors. 

“We are delighted to be able to partner with HSC to offer these free community events as part of the Guernsey Literary Festival programme for both staff and young patients at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital," she said. "Thanks to our generous festival sponsors for supporting these important Arts in Health initiatives in the Bailiwick of Guernsey.”

Lottie Barnes, Culture, Arts & Health Manager for Health & Social Care, added: 

“The World Health Organisation has recently published a scoping review ‘What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being?’ in which it demonstrates the importance of participating in cultural and arts activities for our health and wellbeing. This is a really important partnership with The Guernsey Literary Festival in offering a high quality arts in health programme."

In addition to the free events being held at the PEH, another event with an emphasis on health and wellbeing during the festival will be led by Christie Watson, a registered nurse for 20 years. 

Her book, The Language of Kindness: A Nurse’s Story, is a Sunday Times number 1 bestseller, and will take centre stage at an event at St James from 19:30-20:30 on 30 April.

Pictured top: Claire Allen over the Princess Elizabeth Hospital.