Free Book On The Menu For West Sussex Meals On Wheels Clients

Meals on wheels customers in West Sussex received a free book with their meal deliveries this week.

It is 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 Tuesday, April 23.

As part of their normal 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 build relationships and connections, widen social networks and empower people to lead a fulfilling life.”

Rachel Pawley, West Sussex Field Marketer at HILS, said:

“HILS are delighted to support programs like this. Many of our clients are vulnerable and isolated and we know they can really benefit from extra services such as those offered by West 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 give away to people who may not regularly read for pleasure or who have difficulty accessing books, reading and libraries.

This year the books are all Quick Reads, which are short books by well-known and bestselling authors. World Book Night encourages libraries to team up with other organisations to reach people who may not be library customers.

HILS (Health and Independent Living Support) is the largest not-for-profit meals on wheels service in the UK and deliver hot meals into homes across West Sussex, 365 days a year.