Reading for wellbeing
Last year, residents told us that under the NHS Long Term Plan they would like better access to trustworthy information about health and wellbeing issues. Find out what we learnt when we mystery shopped local libraries.
As part of the NHS approach to help people improve their lifestyle, libraries aim to provide reliable information to encourage residents to stay well.
Our latest project aimed to raise awareness of libraries’ role in providing easier ways to find health information, focusing on the Reading Well project.
Reading Well is a scheme that offers fiction and non-fiction books which can help people to understand and manage their health. The resources offer practical and emotional support for people as well as their carers, friends and families.
Findings
Good practice:
- Health displays in libraries
- Films displays for those who do not enjoy reading or cannot read
- Reading Well displays including printed leaflets and books with ‘Reading Well’ stickers on them
- Helpful and friendly staff, confident in explaining where health and wellbeing books can be found, online resources and the Reading Well scheme
Areas for improvement
- Training for staff to increase their confidence signposting customers to health and wellbeing resources
- Distinction between sections for children and young people, and for adults Recognition that both fiction and non-fiction books can be used as resources for health and wellbeing
Downloads
File download
Reading well in Lewisham report
