A Collective Force for Health and Wellbeing Action Plan Refresh supports libraries to become hubs for trusted health and wellbeing information in their communities.
It sets out how libraries can work with partners in health and social care and the third sector to act as community facilitators – empowering people to be leaders in their own health and wellbeing. The Action Plan gives a strong vision on how libraries can become digital and physical hubs for accessing the full range of trusted health and wellbeing information services.
Libraries can be the go-to place in their communities for:
- Trusted health and wellbeing information
- Support with digital, information and health literacy skills as well as access
- Facilitated reading and storytelling for personal growth and therapeutic support
- Social interaction, empathic help and support – both face-to-face and digital
Staff training
Library and third sector staff can access an Information for Wellbeing Course developed as part of the Action Plan. The blended learning course is a partnership initiative between SLIC, the ALLIANCE and the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre.
The Wellbeing Course consolidates learning through in-built quizzes, workbooks for self-reflection and discussion in facilitated groups. You can access the Wellbeing course on the SLIC Learning Platform as well as on the Information for Wellbeing Course website.
Collaboration
The Scottish Library and Information Council was a leading partner in the Collective Force for Health and Wellbeing Action Plan Refresh. We collaborated with the ALLIANCE, the Digital Health and Care Innovation Centre (DHI) and the Scottish Government Self-Management and Health Literacy team to bring the Action Plan together. Public Health Scotland, NHS 24, COSLA and NHS Education for Scotland also contributed to the framework.
A Collective Force for Health and Wellbeing.
A Collective Force for Health and Wellbeing
Harnessing the power of information for renewal and recovery
Postnatal Depression
Libraries are seen as trusted health and wellbeing hubs in their communities. They can be a lifeline for people who are experiencing health difficulties, offering information and support.
“I had pretty bad post-natal depression when my daughter was born. I started coming to the library on a regular basis and honestly it gave me such a shining bright light in a period of darkness. I felt much less alone, there were amazing members of staff and Bookbug for my daughter. It was a safe space. I bring my daughter now every other week and she adores it and has such a fondness for stories.
When I was suffering from postnatal depression, the library was one of the places I went to be in a safe, calming and relaxed environment. I was able to attend Bookbug sessions, stay with my baby and look at books or play with the toys.
It also helped me go out of the house and mix with other mums (some of whom were experiencing the same thing) I wasn’t required to pay for any of the sessions or materials I used (one of the few places where you can do this) and I felt supported and welcomed by the staff.
These spaces played a huge part in my recovery and now I am able to visit, look at books with my children and form great memories. I would attend my local library in Balloch to attend Bookbug with my daughter. I suffered from post-natal depression and didn’t go out much. This group was a lifeline for me, I was able to gain confidence and meet some new people. Just getting out the house was a benefit to my health.”
Parkinson’s Disease
“I have Parkinson’s Disease and use a powered wheelchair. The library has been a life saver for me – a sanctuary, meeting and talking with like-minded people. Because of the encouragement of library staff, I have published two books on Amazon with a third on the way which focuses on poetry and short stories.
“The staff motivate me, advise me and I have also rediscovered the joy of reading. Always an avid reader I used the library regularly. I my Parkinson’s Disease has progressed I have became non-verbal and had to give up all outdoor activities.
The library has been my lifeline! When I could no longer get into the library, I used the mobile library. It was the highlight of my week. The staff were always so kind and went out of their way to help me.
Unfortunately, we have now moved from the Stirling area to a Care Village in Lanark but I feel libraries are a vital asset to improve the quality of life of people with long term health problems and disabilities.
Evidence-Led Libraries: Inspiring Innovation and Creating Communities
Scottish Library & Information Council
Annual General Meeting 2025
