The Big Read 2022-23

Reading and your wellbeing   

Reading has long been understood to offer therapeutic value. Reading for wellbeing, sometimes called ‘bibliotherapy’, can offer many benefits, such as:

• Improving our Mental Health
• Fostering Community
• Increasing a sense of belonging

One of the aims of our Big Read is to provide an opportunity for shared reading and common talking points for our whole university community. 

We also recognise that the themes and topics of a Big Read can be challenging. In many ways this is a good thing. Being exposed to different viewpoints, experiences and knowledge helps us learn and develop as individuals and as a community.  

For some readers, a book might also trigger anxiety or other negative reactions. Please remember there is a range of support services available to you here at Hallam if you want to talk this through with somebody or would like some support for any other reason.

•  The Student Wellbeing service at Hallam provides a wealth of information and advice to support you and help you make the most of your student experience. They offer one-to-one support from wellbeing practitioners, group sessions, along with a range of self-help resources. 
• For staff at Hallam, we have a dedicated area on the staff intranet for wellbeing support, which includes various resources and an employee assistance programme. 

Also, feel free to check out this Reading List for lots of suggestions on articles, websites, and books based around wellbeing and dealing with challenging issues.