Story Walk brings movement, mindfulness and meaning at Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital

Called the Story Walk, the project was developed through a collaboration between team members from the hospital’s library and inpatient stroke rehabilitation unit. It invites patients and visitors to stroll along a corridor where a series of picture book pages are displayed. The experience offers both physical activity and cognitive stimulation, supporting the recovery process and Sinai Health’s efforts to create environments that promote healing and well-being.

Andrea Slonosky, information specialist I in the clinical library, was inspired by similar programs at public libraries that promote literacy and healthy outdoor living. “I saw how Story Walks combined reading with movement and thought it would be ideal for our patients,” she said. “Our patients are encouraged to explore more of the building. This provides them with something engaging and meaningful to do along the way.”

As the project evolved, Andrea brought her expertise in picture book curation to ensure the stories would resonate with Hennick Bridgepoint’s adult patient population. She explains that while picture books are traditionally written for children, strong titles have universal appeal because “art and story function as a whole.” The illustrations can be as expressive as fine art, and the narratives as thoughtful as a short novel. Andrea selects books by reviewing award-winning Canadian titles and choosing stories that reflect the experiences of patients and the surrounding community – for example, The Words We Share by Jack Wong, which echoes the real-life experiences of families who interpret for one another in Toronto’s east-end Chinatown.

The initiative was created with an emphasis on accessibility and inclusivity. Collaborating closely with Andrea, Natalie Rennie, Patient Care Manager for Hennick Bridgepoint’s inpatient Stroke and Neurological Rehabilitation Unit, alongside her team of health disciplines including occupational therapy, recreational therapy, physiotherapy and speech language pathology, worked with Andrea to adapt the Story Walk for patients with various abilities. “We made sure that the stories could be enjoyed from a wheelchair and the visuals are vibrant enough to capture attention, even for those who may find reading challenging due to the effects of a brain injury or stroke,” said Natalie. Below are Andrea and the stroke team’s three key benefits of the Story Walk.

Natalie adds that Andrea’s careful selection process aligns with Sinai Health’s values. “All books chosen promote humanity, inclusivity and diversity,” she said. “They support a wide range of people and help educate, bring awareness and celebrate moments like Black History Month, Indigenous History Month and 2SLGBTQ+ Pride.”

Three key benefits for patients

1. Therapeutic engagement and mindfulness

“The Story Walk provides a therapeutic activity for patients and their caregivers to enjoy together,” said Natalie. “It encourages mindfulness, reflection, and conversation, or simply offers enjoyment over a shared experience.”

2. Support for rehabilitation goals

“The Story Walk also gives our therapists a creative tool to support rehabilitation goals,” Natalie said. “For example, an occupational therapist might ask questions about the story to a patient who is working on strengthening memory. A physiotherapist could encourage a patient to stand while reading to build activity tolerance.”

3. Celebrating diversity and inclusion

“We carefully select books that celebrate humanity and inclusivity,” Natalie said. “The stories promote learning around Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+ experiences, Black History Month, Canadian heritage, and diverse cultures and patient experiences.”

The Story Walk is located on the main floor of Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital, around the corner from the Patient and Family Resource Centre (Library). 

“The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Montpelier Vermont. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by the Kellogg-Hubbard Library.”