Ruth M Stacey

The launch event for Everyone is Here to Help was held at the Silk Mill in Ruth's hometown of Frome, Somerset on 30th April 2024. She was joined by friends and family as well as local writers, parents and healthcare professionals. 

Ruth wanted to invite everyone into her experience by recreating key environments that feature in the book - namely the Baby Activity Room at the Mother and Baby Unit that cared for her, and her own peaceful living room. Children were welcomed at the event and enjoyed having a space that catered to them. Surrounded by art and furniture from her own home, Ruth gave readings from her memoir, and took the opportunity to thank all involved in its creation.

The event also featured displays that invited participation and encouraged curiosity from the attendees: a board asking everyone to add helpful advice and encouragement to new parents; a table demonstrating the many formats the book took in its journey to publication; and a slideshow of photographs Ruth took during her first year of motherhood. The charity Action on Postpartum Psychosis provided important information and materials about their work and the opportunity to support them further through donations and, of course, by purchasing copies of the book.