Explore York Libraries and Archives Annual Review 2022 - Report - Page 17
Reading Together: sharing stories
to improve wellbeing
Supporting
Wellbeing
The pandemic had a negative
impact on so many people’s
wellbeing by isolating them from
each other. In 2021, we responded
by bringing people together to
explore new experiences, enriching
and transforming their lives.
38%
of customers said that using
libraries had helped with
their health and wellbeing.
This figure was higher among
long term sick or disabled
customers (50%),
and widowed
customers (49%).
16
Explore Together Annual Review 2021/22
“After Covid 19
with deaths
of friends and
isolation, this class
has been essential
for my mental and
emotional
“The library is a lifewell-being.”
saver as it affords me a
place to socialise via the
craft club. As someone
with a long-term health
condition I can struggle
with getting out and
about so this is good for
my mental health.”
“One man had lost his wife
during the pandemic, was visually
impaired, and would not leave his
house. His relative spoke to staff at
Acomb who suggested he sign up for
Reading Together. He attended the
sessions and enjoyed them. Then he
joined weekly boccia and was warmly
welcomed. Now he regularly meets up
with one of the boccia players for
coffee and dominoes. He has gone
from being completely isolated
to enjoying an active social
life in his community.”
At this book group with a difference, facilitated
by writers Fiona Shaw and Daisy Hildyard,
participants listened to a book read aloud over
several weeks and after each session shared
their thoughts about the book. Three groups
met at Explore Centres each with a different
target audience.
Acomb Explore supported people to re-connect
and reduced isolation.
York Explore’s group was made up of people
who were new to the city from Hong Kong,
Romania, Spain, Italy, Syria, Korea and Japan.
At Tang Hall, people living with dementia and
their carers from nearby Mossdale Residence
got together to read poetry and short form
fiction.
Project funded by Libraries Connected
Yorkshire and Humber.
Creative Cafés: supporting people
to explore creativity together
“Mary*, has continued
to use the library, coming to
craft group and the café with her
support worker. Mary’s relative is
very keen for her to have a safe
place with things happening
and has said how wonderful the
Reading Together project has been
for Mary, who is one of the youngest
residents at Mossdale. Coming
to join in with activities gives her
something to look forward to and
has introduced her to people
closer to her age.”
*name
changed
“The new skills
and new friends
helped me. Hope to
join more classes at
the library – they
are life savers”
Sessions were held at Acomb and Tang Hall
Explore Centres with two artists enabling people
to explore creativity together. Attendees said
the sessions helped them make new friends,
learn skills, and improved their wellbeing.
Afterwards some continued to meet, signed
up for other activities or became library
volunteers.
Project funded by York Social
Prescribing.
“I like this group
because I’ve an
opportunity to talk
more English with them
and after every class
go together to drink
coffee or eat lunch and
practise more English.
Everything is
very good.”
Explore Together Annual Review 2021/22
17
