Creative Approaches to Mental Health in Public Libraries
A CILIP Training Session for Staff Working in Public Libraries
Online, Half-Day Course
3 September 2024 10am-1pm
This session will introduce delegates to the concept of Creative Health and the important role libraries can
play in supporting communities' health and wellbeing.
Delegates will learn about the varied activities and services libraries can offer. The trainer will also draw on her own Creative Health project in the London Borough of Wandsworth: CathARTism, which has provided support to those who are experiencing feelings associated with stress, anxiety, loneliness and depression through workshops, pulling from art therapy techniques, mindfulness and positive psychology.
Before attending this session, we encourage delegates, who have not previously completed it, to undertake the short Mental Health Awareness learning module available on GLL's FLEX learning platform.
Course Level
This session is suitable for staff at all levels. It is particularly suitable for staff wanting to build on their understanding and knowledge of how creative approaches in public libraries can play a role in services to library users with mental health issues.
Learning Objectives
- Gain awareness of mental health on the continuum and social determinants of health.
- Learn how creative health can be embedded into libraries and can further the value and impact of existing library activities.
Trainer: Katie Plant
Senior Library Assistant, Balham Library, GLL Wandsworth, CathArtism Lead and MASc Creative Health Student at UCL
Katie has been a library practitioner for four years in Nottinghamshire, East London and now South West London. She has a background in musical theatre, lived experience of mental health, and a passion for libraries and creative expression.
She is currently studying for her Masters of Arts and Science at UCL in Creative Health. She is the Head of the social prescribing initiative CathARTism within Wandsworth Libraries.
She was a guest speaker at the Libraries Connected Innovation Gathering 2024, was a nominee for the Libraries Connected Health and Wellbeing Award and has received accolades on behalf of GLL for her contributions to library services.
Professional Knowledge and Skills Base (PKSB)
This course supports the following area of the
PKSB:
7.4 Health literacy
10.1 Customer service skills
10.5 Service innovation, development & design
Professional Development
Wider library, data, information and knowledge sector context
Venue: Online using Zoom
Delegates will be sent details of the Zoom link as part of their joining instructions.
There are online training sessions for public library staff throughout 2024: find out more
A CILIP Training event, provided for library staff working for GLL
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