Libraries across North Yorkshire are loaning bags of support in a bid to improve mental health and wellbeing.

Following a successful pilot in the Craven district, ‘wellbeing bags’ filled with books and activities will be on offer to library users across the county.

They contain self-help books, colouring books, recipes, puzzles and a relaxation CD as well as health information and advice.

The wellbeing bags are the result of a Dragon’s Den-style exercise among library staff to devise innovative ideas to improve the service, with the best going before a panel of county councillors and officers.

Anyone can borrow a wellbeing bag free for three weeks using their library card. The bags can be used by individuals or groups at home, in the library or in the community.

North Yorkshire County Councillor Greg White, Executive Member for Libraries, said: “Libraries have an important role to play in promoting the health and wellbeing of all our residents and we are very pleased to be able to extend this innovative and worthwhile project more widely across North Yorkshire.”

For more information about the scheme, contact your local library.