06/05/2016 - Permalink

Shropshire Libraries are highlighting their health and well-being offer in support of Mental Health Awareness Week and Dementia Awareness Week 16 to 22 May

Related topics: Adult social care / Health / Leisure, culture and heritage

Shropshire Libraries will be highlighting Reading Well Books on Prescription collections during 16 May to 22 May 2016 week, which is Mental Health Awareness Week and Dementia Awareness Week.

Collections of self-help books chosen by health professionals, covering common mental health conditions such as anxiety, stress, depression, eating disorders and self-harm for adults and young people. You can also find books offering help to people living with dementia, their families and carers, including information and advice, personal stories, and ideas for therapeutic activities.

Reading is a great way to relax and research has shown that it can be really good for our health, so keep a lookout for specifically-selected Moodboosting books in your local library.

Stuart West, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for leisure and culture, said:

“It is important that people can access appropriate information about mental health and well-being, and it is also vital to recognise that there are things we can do to promote our well-being and increase our resilience. Shropshire Libraries are social places full of up to date information, regular advice events, relaxing and vocational sessions and support for the whole community.”

Free computer access is available in all libraries, so why not visit the Healthy Shropshire website for all kinds of information on how to make healthy changes in your lifestyle. You can also find local support groups on the Shropshire Community Directory, renew and request items online and download e-books and e-magazines free of charge.

A variety of events will take place in branches across Shropshire with emphasis on health and support available in libraries.

12 May 12noon to 1pm Oswestry Library – Improving your resilience to help deal with life’s ups and downs

http://new.shropshire.gov.uk/libraries/library-events/oswestry-library-improving-your-resilience-to-help-deal-with-lifes-ups-and-downs/

16 May 10am to 1pm Bridgnorth Library – Mindfulness: a taster session

http://new.shropshire.gov.uk/libraries/library-events/bridgnorth-library-mindfulness-a-taster-session/

19 May 12.30pm to 2pm Whitchurch Library – Look after your mental health… Approaches to self care

http://new.shropshire.gov.uk/libraries/library-events/whitchurch-library-look-after-your-mental-health-approaches-to-self-care/

21 May 10am to 1pm Oswestry Library – Celebrating Age Day

http://new.shropshire.gov.uk/libraries/library-events/oswestry-library-celebrating-age-day/

21 May 11.30am to 2pm St Peter and St Paul’s Church Hall, High Street, Wem – Reminiscence Session in support of Tour Dementia  

http://new.shropshire.gov.uk/libraries/library-events/reminiscence-session-in-support-of-tour-dementia-dementia-awareness-week/

There are over 90 different events and drop in sessions across libraries during May 2016. For more information about events in your local library follow the link to http://new.shropshire.gov.uk/libraries/library-events/.

If you would like to find out more about the Shropshire Libraries health and well-being offer please contact Mirka Duxberry, library commissioning manager, reading and health on 01743 255031 or email mirka.duxberry@shropshire.gov.uk.

Related links:

Shropshire Libraries http://new.shropshire.gov.uk/libraries

Community Directory http://search3.openobjects.com/kb5/shropshire/cd/home.page

Healthy Shropshire http://www.healthyshropshire.co.uk/

Mental Health Foundation https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/

Alzheimer’s Society https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/