Free book with meals
Meals on wheels customers in West Sussex have received a surprise treat, in the form of a free book with their meal deliveries.
It was part of a joint initiative between service provider Health & Independent Living Support (HILS) and West Sussex County Council libraries to celebrate World Book Night on April23.aspartoftheirnormal deliveries, HILS added a Quick Read book – Without Warning & Only Sometimes, by Kit de Waal – for some meals on wheels customers along with their meal. Customers also received information about how to join the library and other activities at the library including their home delivery service, Home Library Direct.
Councillor Amanda Jupp, cabinet member for adults’ services, said: “There are many people who can benefit from the wide range of services our libraries offer, particularly those who struggle to get out and about. These include a home delivery service, library membership for community locations such as care homes and day centres, and a range of dementia resources, activities and events. This initiative supports our Adult Social Care
Strategy in helping people to buildrelationshipsandconnections, widen social networks and empower people to lead a fulfilling life.”
Rachelpawley,westsussex field marketer at HILS, said: “HILS are delighted to support programmes like this. Many of our clients are vulnerable and isolated and we know they can reallybenefitfromextraservicessuchasthoseofferedbywest Sussex libraries. This initiative also gives them a great opportunity to get back into reading again. The books are in larger print which is ideal for our clients with visual impairment."
World Book Night was set up in 2011 and is an initiative to encourage more adults to read. Organisations, booksellers, individuals and libraries are encouraged to take part and public libraries can apply for copies of a selected book to giveawaytopeoplewhomaynot regularly read for pleasure or who have difficulty accessing books, reading and libraries.
HILS is the largest not-forprofit meals on wheels service in the UK and deliver hot meals into homes 365 days a year. Anyone who would like more information should visit www. hils-uk.org