We are delighted to share that Vision Libraries has won the Best Health and Wellbeing Initiative at the Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE) Awards 2025.
The awards ceremony, held on Thursday 11 September 2025 at the Glasgow Marriott Hotel, celebrated outstanding achievements in public service, with proceeds from the evening supporting Parkinson’s UK.
We are immensely proud of our other two services who also reached the finals: our Health and Wellbeing Team, nominated for Best Service Team – Sport, Leisure and Cultural, and our Parks Service, nominated for Best Efficiency and Transformation Initiative. Although they did not win, their nominations are a valuable recognition of their excellence, hard work and dedication.
The winning project, the Death Positive Library, was developed by our library service as a pioneering initiative to encourage open conversations about death, grief and bereavement – subjects that are often seen as taboo in society. Since its launch in 2017, the programme has engaged over 15,000 residents of all ages, working in partnership with local communities, artists, academics, health professionals, and end-of-life specialists.
Cllr Kam Rai, Leader of Redbridge Council, said: “This award is a powerful endorsement of the work our libraries are doing to support our residents’ emotional wellbeing. The Death Positive Library is a bold and compassionate initiative that reflects our borough’s commitment to tackling difficult issues with creativity and care. I want to congratulate everyone involved for making such a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”
Martin Solder, Chair of Vision Trustees, added: “We are incredibly proud that the Death Positive Library has been recognised on a national stage. This award is a testament to the creativity, compassion, and dedication of our library service and its partners, who have created a safe and inspiring space for people to talk about life’s most difficult experiences. It demonstrates the true power of libraries as places of community, connection, and wellbeing.”
Through creative activities such as grief cafés, exhibitions, workshops, and the annual Festival of the Dead, the project has helped to break down barriers and support people’s emotional health and wellbeing by making space for honest, supportive, and healing conversations.
To continue the conversation, there is a recommended reading list on death, dying and bereavement, which you can explore through Vision Libraries. You can also find a list of support websites for anyone seeking further help and guidance, available on the Vision website.
Looking ahead, preparations are already underway for this year’s Festival of the Dead, which will take place on Thursday 30 and Friday 31 October 2025. The festival brings together art, performance, workshops and community activities inspired by traditions from around the world, creating a vibrant and supportive space for reflection, remembrance and celebration.
To give a flavour of what’s to come, you can watch our 2024 Festival of the Dead highlights video, which showcases the creativity and community spirit that makes this annual event so special.
For more information on the visit The Death Positive Library webpage.