Each of our eight libraries runs a fortnightly Words for Wellbeing Group.
The groups last for around 60 minutes and alleviate social isolation and support mental health by encouraging people to get out of the house and enabling them to socialise in a safe space.
The groups differ from traditional book groups in that no homework is required. People can just come along on the day, the group facilitator leads the conversations, which can be general chat. Sometimes they will read a short piece of fiction, non-fiction, poetry or song lyrics and then participants can discuss how they feel about it. There is no pressure for anyone to contribute, but we hope that gradually, people will feel comfortable discussing the reading, chatting about how it made them feel or even sharing prose or poetry that they like.
Each group typically consists of between 4 and 12 people and there will be tea/coffee and biscuits available. The groups are free as are the refreshments.
The groups are open to anyone and may be of benefit to those feeling isolated after events of the last couple of years.
Participants are able to meet with new people, chat about reading and how they feel in a supportive, friendly space. This means they can get out the house, have tea and biscuits, socialise with other people, and make new friends. They will also have the option of joining the library, which will give them access to books on health and wellbeing.
The groups will be run by trained, friendly and supportive library staff members. For more information or to register interest people can contact gavin.johnstone@falkirk.gov.uk or call the library where they are interested in attending a group.