Published on: 5 February 2019
Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s Hartington Unit has been praised by The Reading Agency, the charity behind World Book Night, on its website and on Twitter, for its innovative work to promote reading during World Book Night 2018.
The 2018 World Book Night highlighted the link between reading and mental health, with research showing that reading can increase empathy, improve relationships with others and reduce the symptoms of depression.
The Hartington Unit team handed out copies of The Woman in Black by Susan Hill to service users of all ages, as part of a book giveaway called ‘And relax…!’, which saw treat packs with biscuits, hot chocolate and the book given to service users and carers.
The team also provided reading aids for patients with dyslexia and sight issues, and staff read the book aloud to service users. Service users organised their own book club, opening up discussions between patients, staff and carers.
Christa Roberts, lead nurse on the Morton Ward of the Hartington Unit, and organiser of the World Book Night activity there, has been singled out for praise for her work on the event.
She said: “I enjoyed every minute of our World Book Night giveaway. The patients and other staff were so supportive and excited to be taking part and receiving the books. They’ve already asked if we are taking part again this year!”
Christa was inspired by the work done by Trust library staff for World Book Night in previous years. The library has again applied to be involved in the event this year.
This year’s World Book Night is on Tuesday 23 April 2019. For information about organising a World Book Night event, go to the organisation’s website and check out the event resources.
