North Yorkshire libraries will be supporting Mental Health Awareness Week from 14 to 20 May through displays, special collections and events.
Stress is the focus of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week. Two thirds of people experience a mental health problem during their life and stress is a key factor.
North Yorkshire County Councillor Greg White, Executive Member for Libraries, said: “Part of the wide role of libraries is to support people’s health and wellbeing. The displays and events being held in many of North Yorkshire’s libraries, both those managed by the county council and those run by community groups, will highlight and inform people about mental health issues and the support available.”
Research suggests that reading for 30 minutes a week increases health and wellbeing. It is known to have many health-boosting properties, including reducing stress and improving memory as well as providing relaxation and enjoyment.
The county’s libraries help people to help themselves by providing access to accredited health information, health signposting, social and recreational activities and volunteering opportunities that keep people active.
During Mental Health Awareness Week, many libraries will stage displays of information and the titles in the libraries’ Reading Well book collections, which help people to manage their health and wellbeing through self-help books endorsed by health experts. Libraries hosting displays include Bedale, Bentham, Boroughbridge, Catterick, Colburn, Filey, Hawes, Ingleton, Leyburn, Knaresborough, Richmond, Settle, Sherburn, Skipton, South Craven, Tadcaster, Thirsk and Whitby.
Other Mental Health Awareness Week activities include:
Eastfield: Tuesday 15 May, from 1pm, coffee and cake and drop-in from 1pm craft session making bunting; tai chi session, Wednesday 16 May, 1pm-2pm.
Great Ayton Discovery Centre, display of stress-busting resources and posters, 14-20 May
Harrogate: Zentangle, meditative, mindful and stress-relieving art workshop for absolute beginners, Monday 14 May, 10am-11.15am; coffee and conversation, Tuesday 15 May, 10.30-11.30am; board games group, Wednesday 16 May, 10.30am-noon; craft group, Thursday 17 May, 10am-11.45am.
Knaresborough: colouring café all week.
Northallerton: Darlington Mind information display, 14-19 May, and information drop-in, 16 May 10am-noon.
Ripon: Mind drop-in information session, Friday 17 May, 10.30am-noon; knitters group, Tuesday 15 May 1.30pm-3pm. Bricks and a Brew with Abi from BrickTime, Thursday 17 May, 11.30am-12.30pm.
Scarborough: Musical Memories, Wednesday 16 May, 10.30am-11.30am, join a sing-song with a local choir, refreshments available, free but donations welcome.
Selby: York Mind information drop-in, 16 May, 10am-2pm, plus York Mind display, 16-19 May, and Reading Well book collections
Skipton: Teen animation workshop with Virpi Kettu based around the theme of belonging, Monday 14 May, 4pm-6pm; Lego Club, Monday 14 May, 4-5pm; knit and natter, Wednesday 16 May, 10am-noon.
