Selected libraries across North Yorkshire will showcase a new collection of books designed to support people living with long-term conditions and their carers.
The Society of Chief Librarians and the Reading Agency, with funding from Arts Council England and the Wellcome Trust, have developed the new Reading Well scheme. The books have been chosen in collaboration with health partners, people living with long-term conditions and their carers
The titles cover specific conditions, including diabetes, stroke and asthma, as well as common symptoms, including pain and fatigue. As with the existing Reading Well schemes, health professionals will be able to recommend titles on the list to patients. The titles will also be available for anyone to borrow for free through their library.
In North Yorkshire, the collections will be housed in the libraries at: Bentham, Filey, Harrogate, Knaresborough, Malton, Northallerton, Pickering, Richmond, Ripon, Scarborough, Selby, Sherburn, Skipton, Settle, Scalby and Whitby. All these libraries will have the new books on display and they can be requested for free at all libraries in North Yorkshire. Local health practitioners will be made aware of the collection so that they can be promoted within GP surgeries and other health services.
North Yorkshire County Councillor Greg White, Executive Member for Libraries, said: “North Yorkshire libraries have embraced the Reading Well books on prescription scheme for some years, already focusing on mental health, dementia and issues facing young people. This latest collection adds another strand to the support that people can find at their library, again showcasing libraries’ important role in maintaining the health and wellbeing of the communities they serve.”
Launches for the collection will take place at the following libraries:
- Northallerton: official launch with Cllr Greg White at 10am on Monday, 3 July.
- Harrogate: the Mindful People, who work with non-profit organisations and run sessions/workshops on how to cope with stress, depression and anxiety, as well and mental and physical health, will run a workshop on Monday, 3 July, 11am to noon, focusing on the new collection and teaching people how to cope with life-long conditions. Tickets are free but places are limited. For tickets, contact Harrogate library.
- Ripon: local health groups and partners have been invited to visit to see the collection and chat with other health providers over refreshments on Tuesday, 4 July.
- Scarborough: local health groups and partners have been invited to come along and have a look at the collection and chat with other health providers over refreshments on Monday, 3 July.
- Selby: a roadshow by organisations that support people with long-term conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes, and their carers will be held on Monday, 3 July, 9.30am to noon.
- Skipton: local health groups and partners have been invited to visit to see the collection and chat with other health providers over refreshments on Wednesday, 5 July, at 10.30am.