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About the Reading and You Scheme (RAYS)
Kirklees Culture and Leisure Services
kinfo@kirklees.gov.uk
Reading is a creative experience. It is a dialogue between the author and the reader’s imagination. Arts projects in the health sector have shown that if creativity is stifled it has detrimental effects on our physical and mental health. It is also acknowledged that self-expression, the sharing of experience and social interaction all contribute to happier, healthier and more confident individuals.
RAYS is a partnership between Kirklees and Calderdale Libraries and the Primary Care Trusts of the NHS, a project which promotes the benefits of reading and the use of libraries for people experiencing mild to moderate depression, stress, anxiety or social isolation.
In October 2000, three bibliotherapists were appointed in Kirklees, each operating at a local level, working with libraries and neighbouring health and community centres with the following objectives.
- To promote the idea of reading (particularly fiction) as an alternative to drugs, in the achievement of mental and physical well-being.
- To encourage greater use and awareness of the library services by all, but especially those suffering from social isolation.
- To support and empower the individual to improve confidence and self-esteem and to improve learning and inter-personal skills by reading, discussing and debating in small informal groups.
- To facilitate a programme of readers’ advice ‘surgeries’ and conversations about books and reading with members of the public using local health centres and other centres
- To develop the idea of reading as a social /group/community activity.
- To give people a positive and non-threatening experience of reading and the library service.
- To raise awareness amongst library staff and health professionals of the benefits of reading.
- To continue to collect hard evidence and examples of the benefits of reading for general mental and physical well-being
Now working in six different areas of Kirklees and Calderdale using libraries as our base, we have
- Built partnerships with health and other professionals
- Worked with individuals – referred by practitioners or self-referred
- Worked with groups in libraries, hospitals, community and day centres
- Organised reading events
This is exciting work, opening people’s eyes to the wealth of words we have in our possession, and the opportunities libraries offer to vulnerable and marginalised people.
RAYS – promoting well being, relaxation and friendship through books and reading.
What is RAYS?
Reading and You is an exciting new scheme that encourages people to read more and make better use of their local library.
The scheme is run by Kirklees and Calderdale library services and health agencies serving Kirklees and Calderdale. They are working together because they believe reading can help you relax and in turn improve your health and well-being.
Who is RAYS for?
RAYS is for anyone who doesn’t read very much or doesn’t use their local library and who may be suffering from stress, mild depression or is feeling isolated and lonely. If you would like to find out more about reading, especially fiction, RAYS could be for you!
How does it work?
The Reading and You Scheme works by putting you in touch with one of six bibliotherapists (Elaine, Jo or John in Kirklees and Margaret, Heather and Peter in Calderdale) who will:
- Try to get to know a little about you as a person
- Talk to you about what you like to read, help you get to know your local library and look with you for the kind of books you might enjoy.
- They will also be setting up reading groups where people can chat together about books and relax over a cup of tea or coffee.
Why join RAYS?
- Reading is entertaining, enjoyable and can reduce stress and aid relaxation.
- Reading can take you to other people’s worlds and stretch your imagination.
- Reading can show you that your situation is not unique and help you to see different ways of looking at things.
- As part of a reading group it offers you the chance to get together with other people.
Where can I find out more?
If you have any questions about RAYS please contact:
John Duffy
Batley Library
Tel: 01924 326021
Email: john.duffy@kirklees.gov.uk
Elaine Harrison
Huddersfield Library
Tel: 078 556 8951 or 01484 221951
Email: elaine.harrison@kirklees.gov.uk
Jo Haslam
Slaithwaite Library
Tel: 01484 222500/502
Email: slaithwaite.library@kirklees.gov.uk
Margaret Leighton
Todmorden Library
Tel: 01706 815600
Email: todmorden.library@calderdale.gov.uk
Heather Karpicki
Elland Library
Tel: 01422 374472
Email: elland.library@calderdale.gov.uk
Peter Good
Beechwood Road Library
Tel: 01422 244161
Email: beechwood_road.library@calderdale.gov.uk
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