Memorable reception for Poul Nyrup's new memoir at Christiansborg
In a packed Snapsting at Christiansborg last week, Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, founder and patron of Det Sociale Netværk/headspace Danmark, held a reception for his new memoir Can't we do it a little better?.
Among the invited guests were friends, family, acquaintances and colleagues from the many exciting periods of the protagonist's life, who all contributed to a festive afternoon.
The title of the book - the now iconic remark from the New Year's speech in 1998 - appeared in several places in the beautiful speeches delivered from the small stage in the afternoon sunlight.
Perhaps most notably in the speech from Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who said:
”Poul, you ask again: Can't we do a little better? And yes, we can. That's why we're here today. And every single day you contribute to making Denmark a better place to live.”
A vote of confidence in headspace's work - also abroad
The Prime Minister also shared a touching story of a conversation with the Ukrainian presidential couple, where they discussed the great need for help for the up to eight million Ukrainian children and young people who are deeply affected by the horrors of war.
The Prime Minister had suggested to the presidential couple that they contact Poul Nyrup and Det Sociale Netværk/headspace Denmark with a view to developing a similar program for Ukraine's needy young people:
”It's you, Poul, who has to solve this problem. Because you have started something here in Denmark that will never end again. A peek into the mind. And a way we can take responsibility.”
”Life is not a zero-sum game”
In addition to the Prime Minister's speech, there were powerful and thought-provoking speeches from historian and co-author Poul Duedahl, Publishing Director at Lindhardt og Ringhoff, Lars Boesgaard, and, of course, the evening's main character. Poul Nyrup Rasmussen expressed his delight at the great interest in the book:
”When you all step into this room, it says something about the fact that what counts is not how we look or whether we are successful in life - it's also how we feel inside. This is a statement of solidarity from you that mental health needs to be even higher on the agenda.”
He also thanked the attendees with one of the book's many reflections on a long life lived:
”The book is a thank you from me and proof that life is not a zero-sum game. Not only between people, but also between generations, organizations, countries and contingents. Being something is about doing something that goes beyond yourself.”
The invited guests were also treated to sing-alongs and musical performances from Michala Petri and Lars Hannibal as well as Kim Larsen and Gasolin interpreter Anders Munch. All of this was handled with the usual energy and sure grip on the microphone by Anja Fonseca, moderator and vice chairman of the Social Network's board of directors.
Poul Nyrup Rasmusen, The Social Network and headspace Denmark would like to say a big and heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped celebrate the new book and for your support for the continued work for greater mental health.
You can buy the book here: Can't we do a little better | Lindhardt og Ringhof
Would you like to contribute to Det Sociale Netværk and headspace Denmark's work for mentally vulnerable young people? You can support us with an annual amount or a single donation here:
