Seven libraries across Swansea are lending out lamps that mimic daylight, as the dark evenings close in after the clocks went back.
Each Wintering Well box holds a therapeutic light lamp designed to simulate daylight when natural light is limited, Swansea Council says.
Also in the box is a guide to things to do indoors and outdoors, and access to a free online course on building healthy winter routines.
Which Swansea libraries have the Wintering Well boxes
The boxes are available to borrow from seven libraries:
No loan period has been given, so it is worth asking at the desk how long you can keep one.
Part of a UK-wide push on winter low mood
The scheme is part of a UK-wide initiative to show how trusted community spaces such as libraries can give practical, accessible support to people affected by low mood in the winter months, the council says.
Cllr Elliott King, cabinet member for culture, human rights and equalities, said libraries were “at the heart of our communities, offering support, connection and trusted information when people need it most”.
He linked the launch to the change in the clocks. “Now the clocks have just gone back, the Wintering Well initiative is a wonderful example of how libraries can help people stay well and feel supported during the winter months,” he said.
Wintering Well boxes come on top of Swansea Spaces
The boxes are an extra on top of the libraries’ place in Swansea Spaces, the council’s network of warm and welcoming places to go in winter.
Cllr King said Swansea Spaces offered “warm, friendly places for people to go when it’s cold”.
Last winter the council said it was supporting 62 Swansea Spaces, with grants for food banks, cooking schemes and community cafés on top.
Libraries were among the first to sign up when the Swansea Spaces directory began in the winter of 2022. Cllr King said at the time that for some people, a trip to the library could be “one of the few opportunities they get to speak to others”.
The city’s Central Library has been in the old BHS building on Oxford Street since Y Storfa opened last December.
More winter help promised, from free buses to food support
The council has already announced free bus travel on 19 days this Christmas. It says it is also working on food support, activities, events and welcoming spaces for this winter.
If winter low mood is weighing on you, Samaritans can be reached free, day or night, on 116 123.
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