Explore York Libraries and Archives Annual Review 2022 - Report - Page 25
Supporting Wellbeing
As we began to recover after the pandemic, new challenges posed by
the increased cost of living once again impacted the wellbeing and
resilience of individuals, families and communities in York. Explore
responded by providing warm, welcoming spaces for everyone and
opportunities to try new experiences, to read for wellbeing, to enjoy
fun activities and connect with other people.
Tabitha: Big City Read Artist in Residence in books in a new way. Tabitha created
We hosted four workshops at Explore
centres, to develop Tabitha Grove’s solo
piece Them There Then That followed by
performances at five libraries. The aim of
Tabitha’s residency and performance was to
help audiences connect with stories found
a thoughtful, honest, and poignant piece
about her own stories of mental health and
loss, delivered with utmost professionalism.
Audience sizes grew as the mini-tour
progressed and many who had booked a
free ticket donated after the performance
- testament to how much they enjoyed and
were moved by it, some to tears.
“Making the show with your
encouragement was such a wonderful
experience. The library was a perfect place
to try new work in a supportive and gentle,
friendly environment. I’ve left with a show
I’m proud of, that I didn’t even know was
in me! Everyone has been so kind and the
experience has been so beneficial to me
professionally and personally. I hope that
plenty more artists get this opportunity, it’s
been career-changing for me.”
Tabitha Grove
“Thank you for helping me
to get warm.”
“I love this library it always has
a lovely atmosphere and I feel
very safe here as I suffer from
anxiety a lot of the time.”
“I come in regularly and
sometimes come into the library
feeling down. But after coming
here I feel so much better. There
is always someone to chat to and
makes me feel less lonely.”
Shaped with You | Annual Review 2022/23
25
