MLA London is currently funded by the Department of Health (DH), through ContinYou, to develop Skilled for Health in library services. This work builds on the original programme, which began in 2007, to test the effectiveness of public libraries as locations for informal Skilled for Health learning. The funding also enabled us to run a Skilled for Health Grants Programme offering library services the opportunity to set up their own projects between January and March 2009.
Report of the Skilled for Health Grants Programme This report describes Skilled for Health activities in London libraries with case studies and lessons learned. It is a useful guide for libraries interested in developing projects bringing together health, literacy and learning.
Rollout report This report was prepared for ContinYou in February 2009 and contains recommendations for rolling out Skilled for Health in libraries.
Appendix to rollout report.
What is Skilled for Health?
Skilled for Health is a national initiative designed to tackle health inequalities by improving health literacy in disadvantaged communities. It is well known that people with Skills for Life needs (language, literacy and numeracy) tend to face a host of other disadvantages, including poor health outcomes.
Poor Skills for Life can lead to challenges for example in understanding how to work out a balanced diet, arranging an appointment to see a GP or discussing symptoms. Skilled for Health aims to equip people with the skills and knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.
Skilled for Health in libraries: the pilot phase
From 2007 to 2008 MLA London worked with library services in five pilot boroughs (Ealing, Haringey, Islington, Newham and Barking & Dagenham) to develop the project. Branch libraries offered health awareness courses and workshops with embedded literacy, language and numeracy support. The project demonstrated that the informal and welcoming environment offered by libraries, together with their wealth of resources to support learning and health-related activities, make them an ideal location for Skilled for Health classes.
Pilot project report
Watch a short film (external website) featuring learners and project staff talking about the benefits of Skilled for Health in libraries.
National Skilled for Health programme
The national Skilled for Health programme is overseen by the community learning organisation ContinYou and is being run in various other settings in addition to libraries. These include prisons, workplaces, community centres, Primary Care Trusts and the army. For further information about the national programme please visit ContinYou's website.
Download the Skilled for Health learning materials, which embed Skills for Life in the context of a wide range of health-related topics. The materials come in two large files and can be ordered free of charge from the Learning and Skills Improvement Service, telephone: 0118 902 1293. Please quote reference: embedded/SFH1 and SFH2 when ordering.
Contact Ann Wolfe, Skilled for Health Project Manager: Ann.Wolfe@mlalondon.org.uk or telephone 020 7549 1716. |
