Evening course explores the power of reading for health and wellbeing

Published: 28 August 2024

People are being invited to apply to a free evening course at Exeter College designed to highlight the power of books and reading for health and wellbeing.

Books can be an important tool in improving mental health and wellbeing and in Exeter people are being given an opportunity to learn bibliotherapy skills for free as part of the Exeter City of Literature initiative.

The adult evening course at Exeter College is aimed at those working in community focused organisations. The deadline for applications is Monday 2 September.

Introduction to Bibliotherapy Skills is the first course of its kind in the country.

The aim is for trainees to develop their bibliotherapy skills in order to be able to support people in their workplaces and communities who would benefit from personalised book prescriptions and conversations around reading in order to increase their overall wellbeing.

Bibliotherapy is a therapeutic approach that uses literature to help people better understand and cope with the world around them.

Research has found that reading increases personal confidence, reduces social isolation, improves concentration, and increases self-awareness.

The course will be equal parts counselling skills and book skills. Trainees will learn basic counselling skills such as active listening, identifying their own reading habits and the emotional benefits of analysing their reading journey, and knowledge of the science and research that backs up bibliotherapy as a tool that can improve mental health and wellbeing.

Ultimately the course aspires to positively impact on the wellbeing and reading engagement of adults in Exeter and Devon, particularly those who will benefit the most from receiving free support using the trainees' bibliotherapy skills.

The course comprises of 10 weekly sessions on a Monday evening, from 23 September until 2 December 2024.

To find out more or apply for the course visit the Exeter City of Literature website https://www.exetercityofliterature.com/current-projects/bibliotherapy-skills-course