Successful approaches for ‘hard to reach’ children, 0-10 | 26 April 2012

From Perth & Kinross Children's Library Services:

• Regular rhymetimes have been set up in local support venues for vulnerable families. These have been really well accepted and staff find parents really receptive to hearing about reading and the libraries.
• During the summer school holidays in 2011 the children’s library service took part in an initiative aimed at providing events for vulnerable children and parents/ carers over the holidays. The project was co-ordinated by the council’s Childcare Strategy Team, working in partnership with the library services and NHS Tayside. The events provided arts and crafts and family cooking opportunities along with Bookbug rhymetimes and storytelling by library staff, and were attended by 265 adults and children.
• Children’s library staff also present regular talks for groups of new and expectant mothers. One of these groups is particularly aimed at young mums who staff often find they have not been to libraries before.
• Large scale projects such as the Perth & Kinross Words Out! Picture Book Prize, where all nurseries and playgroups are sent nomination notes and forms, and The Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge remain highly successful at reaching the attention of non-library users. Library staff attempt to reach as many children as possible at their schools to encourage participation in the SRC each year.

Posted in: Administrations | United Kingdom | Children & young people

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Improving the mental health and wellbeing of vulnerable adults through shared learning (Reading Groups) - Westminster City Council | 19 April 2012

"Poor mental health is an issue for the City of Westminster. Therefore promoting mental health and wellbeing is a priority for the Westminster City Partnership Health and Care Network.

Westminster City Council has established ‘Share a Book’ reading groups in three of its libraries, targeted at adults at risk of social isolation or living with low level mental ill health. The mental health and wellbeing of those taking part in the reading groups has improved."

Case Study from the Local Government Improvement and Development theme on 'Tackling the social determinants of health through culture and sport'.

Posted in: Administrations | United Kingdom | Health & wellbeing

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Increasing social interaction by adults with learning disabilities through shared learning (Reading Groups) - Dudley MBC | 19 April 2012

"The number of adults with a learning disability is set to rise in Dudley as elsewhere, therefore supporting their independence is a priority for Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council. The Council has established monthly reading groups in four of its libraries for adults with learning disabilities. Participation in the reading groups has supported their learning, boosted confidence and increased social and community engagement."

Case Study from the Local Government Improvement and Development theme on 'Tackling the social determinants of health through culture and sport'.

Posted in: Administrations | United Kingdom | Disability - learning disabilities

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Helping young carers through museum-based arts activities - Brighton & Hove | 19 April 2012

"Brighton & Hove City Council’s museums service recognises young carers as a vulnerable group. Young carers need support to make the most of their capabilities and have more control over their lives. Working with the Carers Centre for Brighton and Hove, Brighton Museum and Art Gallery ran a screen-printing project in 2011. Designed for a group of 11 to 13-year-old carers, it used the museum’s collections to help them overcome fears about moving from primary to secondary school."

Case Study from the Local Government Improvement and Development theme on 'Tackling the social determinants of health through culture and sport'.

Posted in: United Kingdom | Administrations | Children & young people | Carers

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