Explore York Libraries and Archives Annual Review 2022 - Report - Page 14
Supporting
Wellbeing
Resilience and wellbeing were
put to the test during this
challenging year.
We strengthened and supported individuals
and communities in York and beyond through
our on-line programmes and the services we
provided.
Supporting wellbeing –
Events programme
Our online events included poetry
and doodle art workshops, stories for
adults, reading together at
home sessions, monthly poetry
evenings, creative writing for calm
and relaxation, and make-along
sessions with an artist. Attendees
reported 94% satisfaction, and said
that the events were both enjoyable
and had a profoundly beneficial
effect on their wellbeing, providing
a sense of community and shared
purpose.
14
EXPLORE ANNUAL REVIEW 2020-21
Supporting well-being
– Reading Cafés
Throughout the pandemic our Reading Cafes
offered whatever service they could following
Government guidelines.
Customers old and new
appreciated the service,
and also said how much
“Missed
they had missed being
the cafe and
able to meet up with
meeting up
friends to enjoy a coffee
with friends.”
and cake.
Supporting
wellbeing – Volunteers
Explore had over 550 active volunteers in
2020. When restrictions eased they were
eager to support Explore in
re-opening libraries.
“ Volunteering
supported my
mental health and
wellbeing as I got
back to meeting,
working, and
interacting with
other people.”
