What if your local library could help you feel healthier, more connected, and closer to nature?
That’s exactly what Naturally Active Libraries is doing across South Tees. It is trialling how nature-themed activities can be embedded into library services to enable more people to connect with nature and assist them in leading more active lives.
This You’ve Got This initiative has been developed in partnership with library services in South Tees and Natural England. Tees Valley Wildlife Trust is working with a multidisciplinary team, which includes Grangetown Generations, The Junction, and Natural England, to deliver a pilot project over 18 months.
Enabling people to connect with their local environment through nature-based experiences and activities has been demonstrated to play an important role in maintaining and improving participants’ mental and physical health and strengthening communities.
Libraries sit at the heart of their communities, with skilled staff and volunteers who are trusted sources of information, learning and activities. Our ambition is that Naturally Active Library Hubs will be seen by library services, locally and nationally, as a valuable mechanism for engaging more and a wider range of people, strengthening the role of libraries as invaluable community assets. Rather than a “nice to have extra”, nature-themed health and well-being activities and resources will become embedded into roles and services.
We’re prioritising people who will benefit most from leading active lives and enjoying the benefits that regular contact with nature brings: those living with long-term health conditions or disabilities, families on lower incomes, socially isolated adults, and young people. These activities will complement what libraries already offer around physical activity and wellbeing.
This project is an opportunity for experimentation and innovation. Each library and community is unique, and our approach allows for continuous reflection and evaluation so we can incorporate and share learning throughout our journey.
Watch our film to learn more about the project, and follow along as we share what we’re learning.
Submit your contact details here to receive future updates: Mailing List
Contact Sue Antrobus at the Tees Valley Wildlife Trust, email: santrobus@teeswildlife.org.
Naturally Active Libraries is a You’ve Got This project delivered by Tees Valley Wildlife Trust, working with Grangetown Generations, The Junction, Natural England, and library services in South Tees.
More information about Naturally Active Libraries is available here.
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