“We read to know we are not alone.” – C.S. Lewis
The need to know we are not alone is greater than ever, as the COVID-19 pandemic has many negative effects on us. It causes grief and bereavement, trauma for health and social care staff, financial hardship, and social isolation through shielding and other restrictions.
Guidelines and systematic reviews show that facilitated reading and storytelling can improve mental wellbeing and reduce depression and anxiety.
Scotland’s Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI) is using these approaches in a new project with public libraries, supported by SMCI Associates – a Scottish-based consultancy.
The project will use remote technology in a person-centred way to reach people needing support, and facilitate group reading and storytelling. Combining the power of stories, technology, and human interaction will help people to rebalance and create a new reality.
The project has close links with EHTEL members from Scotland. It is funded by the Scottish Government Health Literacy and Self-Management team and issued by the DHI in collaboration with the Scottish Library and Information Council and the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland.
To find out more about the technology-enabled work of the DHI, visit: https://www.dhi-scotland.com
