Newbiggin: Reading for Health and Wellbeing

05 Oct 2021 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

A project funded by Ann Cleeves, best-selling author of the well-loved TV drama Vera.

Northumberland Library Service and Northumberland County Council have teamed up with UK Health Security Agency, Newcastle and Northumbria universities and community organisations to launch this one-year scheme to see how reading can improve the health of people with chronic pain, anxiety, depression and for those who may be socially isolated. A team of nine Reading Facilitators have been appointed across the North East and we are lucky enough to have two here in Newbiggin!

Anne said: “Books and reading provide a wonderful outlet for people by offering escapism, joy and entertainment. Vera is 21 this year and this project is her birthday present to the region that created her”.

Ann is passionate about the benefits reading brings to the mind and to the body:

• How nice would it be to escape from daily chores, a mundane job, screaming kids and escape to Wonderland, jet off on an adventure or immerse yourself in mythical worlds not of our own!!! So, whatever makes you laugh, entertains you or interests you – why not come to one of our sessions in Newbiggin or contact our team for a one-to-one discussion.
• We offer the companionship of like-minded people in a safe, confidential setting where you can lose yourself in a book, escape from the everyday, make friends and find a listening ear.

No one’s saying reading can cure illness or disease, but what it can do is provide a much-needed period of rest and relief! So, whatever makes you laugh, entertains you or interests you – why not come to one of our sessions in Newbiggin or contact our team for a one-to-one discussion.

Contact Us

Call: Jane or Sarah on 07966 330372 or email: read@northumberland.gov.uk
Find us on Facebook: Reading for Wellbeing – Newbiggin

Current Sessions

Mondays:

• 10.30 - 11.30am: Stories &  Friendship (16+) at Newbiggin Arts Centre, Front Street, Newbiggin-by-the Sea. 
• 1.00 - 2.00pm: Stories & Friendship (16+) at The Hive, 44 East Lea, Newbiggin-by-the Sea. 

Tuesdays:

• 1.30 - 2.30pm: Family Story-time at Newbiggin Community Arts Centre, Gibson Street, Newbiggin-by-the Sea.