Health Information Week
06 July 2020
Health Information Week 2020 launches today with a new website.
The website focuses on the two themes for #HIW2020:
- Finding information you can trust
- Physical and mental wellbeing
These themes were adapted from the longer list originally published, to reflect the impact of COIVD-19.
Reading Well: health information you can trust
There is enormous need for quality-assured health information, advice and stories to support people to manage their health and wellbeing.
Reading Well booklists provide helpful reading to support your health and wellbeing.
The books are selected and recommended by leading health bodies and people living with the conditions covered. The books are available on the open shelves of the local public library for anyone to borrow.
Since its launch, the scheme has supported 1.2 million people to borrow 2.3 million Reading Well books. Last year, people borrowed 345,496 books – the equivalent of 947 books per day!
The scheme has been supported by the public as well as by GPs, mental health professionals and government ministers as a helpful community-based health service. It has also delivered significant public benefit; in a recent survey, 90% of young people would recommend their Reading Well book for support with dealing with difficult feelings and experiences.
Further detail on the findings of external evaluations and our case studies are available on our website.
Wellbeing and your public library
Reading Well is a core strand of the Libraries Connected public library health and wellbeing offer.
Through the offer libraries promote healthy living provide self-management support and engagement opportunities for children and adults supported by welcoming spaces; effective signposting and information to reduce health, social and economic inequalities. They offer a range of creative and social activities which engage and connect individuals and communities, combat loneliness and improve wellbeing.
Get involved
- Visit the new Health Information Week website and use #HIW2020 to join in the covnersation on Twitter.
- Browse our Reading Well booklists to find your Health Information Week read.
- Download Get Involved guides for the scheme
- Visit your local library, in person or online, to find out how they can support your wellbeing.