Social prescribing recognises that our health and mental wellbeing is often affected by the overall social, economic and environmental factors in our lives. Through social prescribing, health professionals are able to refer people to a range of non-clinical services that can benefit them.
If you are a social prescribing link worker, or would like to recommend Listening Books as a resource, we can provide leaflets or further information about how audiobooks can benefit mental health and wellbeing. You can email us at info@listening-books.org.uk or telephone 020 7407 9417.
1. Audiobooks can help ease anxiety Audiobooks can make isolated people feel more connected with the world around them. In fact, 1 in 3 children and young people said that audiobooks made them feel better during lockdown. [1]
For those that can't get out of the house due to their illness or disability, or can't access printed books due to a visual impairment or arthritis, audiobooks are a great option - whether you want to read a classic, escape into comedy or an adventure novel, we have books for all tastes. For children with SEND, by removing the barrier of needing to decode and comprehend a written text, audiobooks make it easier for children to explore a more diverse range of texts and genres, thereby increasing their opportunities to enjoy literature.[2]
Members and non-members alike are able to join our Listening Books Book Club on Facebook, and share thoughts and comments about the books they've read. It's a great community and safe place to share your love of books.
Through our Ask the Author series, members get the chance to put forward questions for the author, and we also have a regular member newsletter featuring book reviews, competitions and interviews.
We are small team and all staff at Listening Books love to hear from our members about books they've loved, or what other books they want us to add to the collection. They are always on hand to help with technical questions and with choosing books.
Whether you are a parent who wants to enjoy books with your child, or a carer who wants a new activity to enjoy with a loved one who can no longer read printed books, we provide a range of titles to enjoy.
[1] Best, E., Clark, C. and Picton, I. (2020). Children, young people and audiobooks before and during lockdown. London: National Literacy Trust.
[2] Best, E. (2020) Audiobooks and Literacy. London: National Literacy Trust.
"I'm really grateful to have access to this resource. I've always been an avid reader, but after falling ill with M.E, my eye muscles became fatigued too easily, and holding physical books was sometimes too tiring. It's been wonderful to be able to access books again, in an audio format, thanks so much!"
Katie
