A pioneering project between the University of Glasgow and the University of Edinburgh in partnership with East Dunbartonshire Libraries could transform how Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is treated.

Working together, the universities and the library service have created 100 Wintering Well boxsets which library users in Kirkintilloch, Lennoxtown, Milngavie and Bishopbriggs can borrow for free.

The initiative builds on the work of a Glasgow University research group which suggests light therapy could be an effective way of alleviating the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of depression that comes and goes in a cyclical pattern.

Since 2023 East Dunbartonshire Libraries has had static Lumie light-lamps available to book for half hour slots in their libraries. By expanding their offer, the service will be able to help the university evaluate their research.  

Tara Hepburn, Library Officer with East Dunbartonshire Libraries explained: “The research group at the University of Glasgow got in touch after one of their participants mentioned our static lamps project. He lives in East Dunbartonshire and had heard about our static lamps. The Wintering Well boxes help us both – it gives us a way to disseminate and evaluate the service and the university an evidence base for their valuable research”.

Pioneering Project

Wintering Well boxThe project is the first of its kind in Scotland – combining practical wellbeing tools and advice which people can borrow and use within their homes. The project is funded by the university which was awarded a UK Research and Innovation Impact Acceleration Account to research the possibilities of light therapy. The boxes contain a mini Lumie light-lamp, a Guidebook to Wintering Well, and the opportunity to access a free online support programme created with University of Glasgow partners Living Life to the Full.

Library users will also have the chance to write ‘a letter to winter’ explaining their feelings towards the season. The first few boxes issued will include stamped addressed envelopes to send their letters directly to the University of Glasgow team.

To help assess the project library users can fill out an evaluation form at both the beginning and end of their borrowing time. In some instances, a University of Glasgow Research Assistant will conduct telephone interviews to gather further qualitative responses.

Tara said: “With our static lamps people could book them and in a chair beside the lamp and read or chat to be near the light. It was part of a project we had with East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action, the Third Sector Interface for East Dunbartonshire. For those that used them the static lamps made a real difference however, people are restricted because they need to come to the library every day to really benefit from the effects. With the portable ones, they can sit with the lamp for half an hour whenever is good for them.’

East Dunbartonshire Libraries is also organising Wintering Well Walks and regular coffee mornings throughout the winter months to help people in the community who are affected by seasonal depression.  It will give library users the option of using the light at home and benefiting from regular social interaction.

Tara said: ‘Some people really see a difference with the light but for others it’s more about social interaction and communication through the winter time. Our regular coffee mornings will be an opportunity for people to come in for a chat and a coffee. And our winter walks add another element – it’s all about opening up the conversation with various initiatives all running at the same time. We believe it will make a difference.”

The service plans to have the boxes available to borrow right throughout the winter months until the clocks go back in spring time. However, if the boxes prove a hit there is scope for it to become an all-year service.

Tara added: “If the boxes are popular then we may look into providing them throughout the year –  for instance, if someone worked night shift or they needed a chill out zone in their house for a while.

“It’s great to think that that all this came from one person remembering our static lamp service in our libraries and realising the potential.”