Happiful August 2019

COMMUNITY
Library lends
‘bags of wellness’
to support
community
mental health
Recognising the unique power that
libraries have in their communities,
North Yorkshire County Council has
begun offering ‘bags of wellness’ to
locals in a bid to boost mental health
across the district.
The bags – which service users can
borrow using their library cards –
include self-help and colouring books,
recipes, puzzles, and a relaxation CD,
along with information and advice.
The scheme came about following a
Dragon’s Den-inspired exercise where
staff had the chance to pitch ideas to
improve the service, the hope being
that the bags will make simple wellness
activities accessible for everyone.
“Libraries play an important part in
wellbeing, and form the hub of many
communities in North Yorkshire,” county
councillor Greg White tells Happiful.
“There are very few places that can offer
people of all ages a place to explore an
interest in books, take up a new hobby,
discover new information, and meet
like-minded people. Regardless of age,
background or income, libraries have
something to offer everyone.”
With studies showing that mindfulness
exercises increase activity in the area
of the brain associated with positive
emotion, this fantastic initiative puts
North Yorkshire County Council straight
in our good books!
Find out more at northyorks.gov.uk
Writing | Kathryn Wheeler
August 2019 • happiful.com • 11