What is Bibliotherapy?
Bibliotherapy is the therapeutic use of the written word to help
people in any situation in life. This may include the treatment of
illness or personal problems. Many of us use bibliotherapy without
realising it. Reading is a way of making sense of the world and our
place within it.
What is the Bibliotherapy Service?
The Bibliotherapy service is a partnership with NHS Kensington
and Chelsea and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea to
provide the Wellbeing Collection and Book Break groups in libraries
and other community settings. It aims to improve access to
self-help materials and bring people together through weekly
reading groups where books are read aloud.
What is the Wellbeing Collection?
The Wellbeing Collection is a range of good quality books and
other resources which can help people understand and cope with
common life challenges, situations and mental health
problems. The Family and Children's and Adult Wellbeing
Collections are available in all Kensington and Chelsea
libraries.
Book Break
Book Break are reading groups led by a facilitator who reads
stories and poems aloud. Participants can read or take part as much
or as little as they want, and there are plenty of opportunities to
discuss what has just been read. Tea, coffee and biscuits are also
provided.
Several groups are running in the Borough Libraries – click on
the link to find out more about each group.
Who is the service for?
- adults coping with common life challenges or mental health
issues may find our Adult Wellbeing Collection useful - the books
in this collection can provide guidance and support to overcome a
range of emotional and psychological problems
- parents or carers wanting to support themselves or their
children through specific issues might find helpful resources in
the family and children's Wellbeing Collection which includes books
on topics such as bullying, parenting, feelings and
bereavement
- those who would like to hear books, short stories and poems
read aloud, a Book Break group may be for you
- children and young people who would like to hear stories and
poems in a fun and relaxed environment are invited to come along to
one of our Book Slam sessions
If you would like to come to any of these groups you are welcome
to turn up on the day, or you can contact the Bibliotherapy team to
find out more.
You can also read more about Book Break in the leaflet
below:
- download the Book Break user guide
[PDF file] (file size 270Kb)
Useful websites
The Reader Organisation is a charity
which runs Get Into Reading, produces The Reader Magazine and
conducts research into the effects of shared reading on health.
Contact us
Contact the Bibliotherapy
Service