Suffolk Libraries has unveiled a ground-breaking new tool, Discover More, designed to help individuals find local events, activities, and services that can significantly improve their wellbeing.
In partnership with Suffolk Mind, and finalist of AI Business Of The Year 2024, Orbital Global, Discover More leverages artificial intelligence to understand users' unique needs and preferences. By analysing data from Suffolk Libraries and Suffolk County Council's Infolink site, the platform recommends personalised options tailored to each individual's interests and wellbeing goals.
This innovative project, funded by Arts Council England and Suffolk County Council, culminates a five-year journey to enhance the library experience and empower individuals to discover a wealth of opportunities within their community.
Users can quickly and easily create a free profile to start exploring the wide range of highly relevant services, activities and resources on offer.
Discover More is now live! People across Suffolk can access this valuable resource by visiting www.suffolklibraries.co.uk/discover-more. Creating a free profile takes just a few moments, and you can immediately begin exploring personalised recommendations tailored to enhance your wellbeing.
The search engine leverages data from Suffolk Libraries and Suffolk Infolink to offer a comprehensive range of events, services, and activities. By creating a profile and answering a few questions, users can benefit from personalized recommendations based on their unique wellbeing needs, as identified by the Suffolk Mind Emotional Needs Survey. The AI-powered algorithm analyses this information and suggests relevant local options, ensuring that users can easily discover and access a wealth of free activities and services.
Bruce Leeke, CEO of Suffolk Libraries, said:
“We continue to evolve the library service in Suffolk to meet the wellbeing needs of people across our communities. The launch of Discover More represents another big step in our ambition to make the library service a fulcrum for better community wellbeing. As the NHS enters a new era of integrated care, with more join-up with community-based support, Discover More offers a new way for people to understand what support is available and how it can help them to improve their wellbeing. Discover More is there for everyone so why not sign up and see what’s out there for you!”
Jon Neal, CEO of Suffolk Mind, said:
“Discover More takes our Emotional Needs Survey to the next level in helping all of us to look after our own mental health and wellbeing. We’re excited about the potential for this tool to enable more people to access projects, activities and resources that support them to meet their emotional needs, thereby avoiding stress and staying at the wellbeing point on the mental health continuum.”
Luke Burton, Director, Libraries of Arts Council England, said:
“We are delighted to support Suffolk Libraries in launching their groundbreaking search engine. This innovative platform demonstrates the power of technology to enhance community wellbeing, and is an inspiring example of how libraries can lead the way in improving lives and bringing communities together.”
Discover More was developed by Orbital Global, a Suffolk-based digital agency and AI specialist with a national and international reach. Orbital Global's expertise in health-tech made them the ideal partner to bring this early-stage innovation to life.
After receiving initial funding from the Nesta Foundation to develop the concept, and further support from the European Union to create a prototype, Arts Council England provided crucial funding through their Library Improvement Fund to turn Discover More into a fully functional product.
Hayden Allen-Vercoe, Chief Operating Officer, Orbital Global, said:
“As the technical lead for the Discover More project, building an AI-powered search engine that understands and responds to individual wellbeing needs was a complex challenge. We had to carefully curate vast amounts of data from various sources, develop sophisticated algorithms to analyse user preferences, and design an intuitive user interface. The most rewarding aspect has been seeing how Discover More empowers individuals to connect with local services and activities that genuinely improve their lives. It's a testament to the power of AI when used for positive social impact.”
Find out more about Discover More and create your profile today.
