Powys residents can now borrow special wellbeing kits containing therapeutic light lamps from their local libraries to help them cope with the darker winter months.

The Wintering Well programme has launched across the county, offering specially developed resources for people who struggle with seasonal changes in daylight.

Five loan boxes are available through Powys libraries, based at Y Lanfa in Welshpool, Newtown Library, Llandrindod Wells Library, y Gaer in Brecon and Ystradgynlais Library.

However, residents throughout Powys can order a box for collection from any library in the county.

Each can be borrowed for two weeks and contains a therapeutic light lamp and a guidebook offering suggestions for indoor and outdoor activities to support wellbeing during winter. Borrowers can also access a free online course.

The resources were developed by researchers at the universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, working with people who experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), following successful trials in Scottish libraries.

Powys libraries volunteer and childminder Sammi Orme, who tested one of the boxes, said she had found the light beneficial.

"I've called it the 'happy lamp', instead of the 'SAD lamp'," she said.

She explained that shorter daylight hours affected her mood, as it does for many who experience SAD, despite regularly spending time outdoors through her work.

Councillor Raiff Devlin, Powys County Council's Cabinet Member for Customers, Digital and Community Services, welcomed the scheme, highlighting the importance of making resources accessible across such a large rural county.

The launch is accompanied by a photographic exhibition at Rhayader Library, featuring images and experiences shared by people involved in the research.

The exhibition runs until 6 January 2027.

Powys libraries have also launched a Mood Boosting Adult Reading Challenge, encouraging residents to read 10 specially selected books over the winter. The challenge will run until 29 March 2027.