Wellbeing project - reading for health and wellbeing

Reading or listening to books is not only a great pleasure but can be beneficial to individual health and wellbeing.

Derbyshire Libraries Wellbeing Project encourages people with mental health issues to read and talk about their reading with others.

For those who are feeling isolated, depressed, anxious, or simply have fallen out of the reading habit, joining a book group, being read to or taking part in a creative writing workshop can be a good way to socialise, relax, build up confidence and make new friends. 

We can offer:

  • Help and advice in setting up a book group
  • Support for partners/volunteers who set up groups
  • Ideas for reading activities to suit different audiences
  • Poetry sessions on a one off basis
  • Talks to groups on book related themes
  • Advice on setting up Writing Groups
  • Informal book related events
  • Sets of books to borrow
  • Free group loans and suggestions for what to read
  • Library space for meetings
  • Reading advice and information

However……

  • We are not able to facilitate reading groups on an ongoing basis
  • We are keen readers, rather than health professionals, who believe reading for pleasure can have therapeutic benefits for everyone
  • We recognise that this is one way to support people with mental health issues, but it does not replace treatment available from GPs or mental health services.

Reading and Wellbeing Reading for Relaxation- find out more about reading groups and how reading can help your wellbeing

World Mental Health Day Find out more about this internationally celebrated event which takes place annually on October 10th, check out the web links  and download a special Wellbeing poem

Creative Writing Have you ever wanted to have a go at writing, and if so, did you know it could help your mental health?

The Wellbeing Project has been developed by Derbyshire Libraries and other partners as part of the Derbyshire Arts & Health Partnership. For mor information please go to http://dapartsandhealth.weebly.com/index.html (opens in a new window)

For more information contact your nearest library or
Priscilla Baily, Wellbeing Project Manager, email: Priscilla.baily@derbyshire.gov.uk
Tel: 01773 831359

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