This project engages with people with mental health issues, including dementia, on Ward 19 in Dewsbury Hospital and on Ashdale Ward, Dales Unit, Calderdale Royal Hospital, which is an acute admission ward.
The project delivers bibliotherapy sessions on each ward to engage, inspire and empower participants through creative reading using poetry and prose. Each session is interactive and tailored to meet the needs of the participants at that time.
This project:
• Improves people’s self-esteem, confidence and maintain/develop their social and communication skills, including listening skills
• Helps others to understand how they are feeling and discovering new ways of expressing themselves
• Encourages people to share their own experiences with others
• Inspires people to share their own opinions and express them in an appropriate manner
Participants will be selected for each session by the ward staff. A member of staff, e.g. occupational therapist, activity organiser or nurse also takes part in each session so that the value and effectiveness of this work as an alternative intervention can be appreciated and the bibliotherapist can ensure that the session is designed to meet the needs of everyone involved.