This interactive event will take place in the original ballroom of the Lincoln Lunatic Asylum, where academics will talk about their research into the history of madness. Researchers are looking for people with a variety of experiences of, or interest in, mental illness to help them explore the research and reflect opinions on the meanings you take from the work. The event will explore how our society has responded to this issue, in the past, present, and how it might respond in the future.

The participant responses at this event will feed back into the research, shaping analysis, making sense of experiences, and forming connections between Victorian and contemporary understandings of, and ‘treatment’ of, madness – using this exploration to say something sensible about mental illness today.

The event will start with researchers presenting the findings of their research, but the more important aspect will be the variety of ways people will have to comment: including small facilitated discussions, video diaries, and post-it walls.

Please be aware that the material and subject matter under discussion during this event may be sensitive and upsetting for some. The event is led by trained healthcare professionals. Please contact the organisers in advance if you have any questions or concerns.

This event is part of the ‘Moving Stories: Discovering Lives Lived Differently’ festival hub organised by the University of Lincoln.