Denny Library: One of the venues for the well-being sessions
Falkirk Libraries have started running free Words for Wellbeing groups, the groups are intended to support mental health and wellbeing 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. You can just come along on the day, the group facilitator will read a short piece of fiction, non-fiction, poetry or song lyrics and then participants can discuss how they feel about it. These are just a conversation starter and there is no pressure for anyone to contribute, but it is hoped 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. I
t is intended that each group will involve up to 12 people and there will be tea/coffee and biscuits available. The groups are free as are the refreshments.
Open to anyone
The groups are open to anyone and may be of benefit to those feeling isolated after events of the last couple of years. There are a variety of people taking part, including some looking to meet new people and some with mental health issues who want to get out and socialise.
Participants will be able to meet with new people and chat 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 you can contact gavin.johnstone@falkirk.gov.uk or call their local library.
The Words for Wellbeing Groups run in libraries every two weeks for about 60 minutes per meeting. We currently have groups in:
Bo’ness Library (1.30pm on Saturday 28th May, 11th June, 25th June)
Bonnybridge Library (3.30pm on Friday 27th May, 10th June, 24th June)
Denny Library (11am on Wednesday 1st June, 15th June, 29th June)
Grangemouth Library (6pm on Tuesday 24th May, 7th June, 21st June)
Larbert Library (11am on Tuesday 31st May, 14th June, 28th June)
Meadowbank Library (11am on Friday 20th May, 17th June, 1st July)
Additional groups will be starting in the following libraries soon:
Falkirk Library
Slamannan Library