Join Jordan Stephens in conversation with Manchester Slam Champion Griot Gabriel, on how literature, inclusivity and community can be a force for a good life in this exciting talk for Festival of Libraries.

On Jordan’s book ‘Avoidance, Drugs, Heartbreak and Dogs’, “Unsparingly digging into the fear, tenderness and trauma he carried in his body and mind, and the confusing assumptions of what a young man should be, Jordan Stephens discovers what it means to be a young man, why we should all open ourselves up to life, and how the price we pay for love in all its forms is worth it.”

Jordan Stephens is a creative, musician, writer and performer, perhaps best known as one half the chart-topping duo, Rizzle Kicks who have recently made a come back after a 9 year hiatus.

Jordan is also an accomplished actor, with television credits including The Ex-Wife, Starstruck and Catastrophe and films including Teen Spirit and Stars Wars: Rogue One. He also hosted ITV2 Don’t Hate The Playaz for 4 series.

Having spoken publicly about his struggles with mental health, Jordan has been very active in raising awareness around the stigma. His mental health campaign #IAMWHOLE reached over 120 million people online and was mentioned in the Houses of Parliament.

Jordan endeavours to express himself through many different forms of art. He published his first Children’s book, ‘The Missing Piece’, a self-influenced story about joy and connection. And last year he published his first Adult book, Avoidance, Drugs, Heartbreak and Dogs, a personal story of self acceptance, exploring masculinity, mental health, addiction and heartbreak.

Jordan also wrote an article in The Guardian about the negative effects that Hyper-Masculinity has on men’s wellbeing and has been invited on television and at festivals to further discuss the matter.

Please note that there were a number of free tickets available for the unwaged and members of local community groups which have now sold out, but there are still tickets available for a minimum of a £1 donation – this isn’t overly clear on the ticket booking but by entering a donation amount that you see fit, your tickets will be allocated. Thanks for your understanding on this. Please note that this event is likely to be photographed.