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Health and wellbeing

Aberdeen City Libraries recognise that it is not always easy to know where to go or who to turn to when looking for medical and health information.  With an ever-greater number of websites and books out there, obtaining accurate and authoritative information can sometimes feel like a daunting prospect.  If you, or someone you know, has been diagnosed with a condition and you are looking for support or information then we will be able to help.  Support is offered in several different ways; 
 

  • Our Health Information Plus service offers an appointment with our Health & Wellbeing Librarian for face-to-face support in sourcing and accessing health and wellbeing information.  

  • Our Healthy Reading Collection offers a wide variety of titles covering topic areas including self-help and wellness, diagnosis and treatment, substance abuse, mental health and lifelong conditions and is available to borrow or consult in the library (location dependent) 

  • Our Health Information Points provide take home information relating to long-term condition management, local and national support and many other subjects  

  • We also provide a regular program of events, including talks, guest information stalls and groups.  All events are dementia friendly and are published on our events page.  Further details to follow 

 

Please note, this is an information service and should not be seen as a replacement for seeking medical assistance where required. Visit Know Who To Turn To to find out more on the range of services available and how to access them.

 

I'm Fine: Mental Health Festival 2024

 

This FREE to attend festival opens on Monday 7 October and concludes on Saturday 12 October.  

Aberdeen City Council’s Healthy Minds team and City Libraries team have worked together to deliver the festival as part of the Council’s commitment to the Local Outcome Improvement Plan (LOIP). 

The LOIP’s vision is for Aberdeen to be a place where all people can prosper, regardless of their circumstances.  

The festival coincides with World Mental Health Day 2024 (Thursday 10 October). Its theme this year is ‘It’s time to prioritise mental health in the workplace.’  

The festival features a series of events, including:

  • Art Workhops
  • Creative Writing Sessions
  • Yoga for Mental Health
  • Talks/Workshops
  • Information Stalls 

All events are free, but booking is essential.  Booking can be made through the library catalogue - https://bit.ly/ACLImFineFestival - or by telephoning 01224 070707 or by speaking to staff at your local library.

 

Memories Scotland

 

Memories Scotland sessions return to Central Library and Cove Library for 2024.  Memories sessions are for people who are affected by dementia, loneliness, social isolation and other conditions and are designed to stimulate conversation by using images, objects and music relating to local social history.  Our current timetable is;

Central Library:

  • Tuesday 2nd July 2024 - 2:30-4:00 - Book here
  • Tuesday 6th August 2024 - 2:30-4:00
  • Tuesday 3rd September 2024 - 2:30-4:00

Cove Library:

  • Tuesday 30th July 2024 - 2:30-4:00
  • Tuesday 27th August 2024 - 2:30-4:00
  • Tuesday 24th September 2024 - 2:30 - 4:00

Tillydrone Library

  • Tuesday 23rd July 2024 - 2:30 - 4:00
  • Tuesday 20th August 2024 - 2:30 - 4:00
  • Tuesday 17th September 2024 - 2:30 - 4:00

These sessions are free to attend, however places are limited and must be booked in advance.  For more information, or to reserve your space, please phone 01224 070707, speak to a member of staff at your local library or email healthinfo@aberdeencity.gov.uk. 

 

Near Me - NHS Attend Anywhere Appointments

 

Looking to find a confidential space to attend your Near Me appointment?

Do you need access to a device, wi-fi or support?

You can now book a space in our Information Centre room, free of charge, to attend an appointment.     

We can also offer the use of an iPad and a headset, if needed, and we have free wi-fi across the building to enable the appointment

Our staff can assist you in accessing your appointment, if you require.

How can I book a space?

Near Me bookings can be made here.

You can also book by emailing InformationCentre@aberdeencity.gov.uk, by telephone on 01224 070707  or ask any library member of staff for assistance in making a booking.

To ensure sufficient time for preparation, please allow 15 minutes, in advance of your appointment start time when making your booking.

 

Health Information Plus is a service available through Aberdeen City Libraries which is aimed at connecting you to the health and wellbeing information that is most suitable for you and your individual circumstances.  If you, or someone close to you, has had a recent diagnosis and you are unsure about where to start looking for help, we can assist you to find information on managing the condition, treatment options or support groups in your local area.  You can access this service in several different ways.

  • You can make an appointment in Central Library or one of our 10 community libraries for an hour long 1-2-1 session, which will be designed around your individual needs.  Our Health & Wellbeing Librarian will build a picture of the type of information that you are looking for and design a guided journey through reputable online resources as an introduction for you.  
  • You can drop in to the Information Centre of Central Library and chat to our Health & Wellbeing Librarian about all things related to health information.  
  • If you are unable to attend one of our libraries, our Health & Wellbeing Librarian can help you via email, telephone or via online services such as Microsoft Teams.

To make an appointment, ask a question or to find out more about the service, please email healthinfo@aberdeencity.gov.uk or telephone 01224 070707 and ask to speak to the Health & Wellbeing Librarian

The Healthy Reading Collection has been curated by Aberdeen City Libraries, in collaboration from NHS Grampian staff and local health care organisations.  The collection consists of information, self-help, biography and fiction titles to support individuals or their friends and families find the information that they need.  Titles are available to borrow as book, eBook or eAudiobook through our library catalogue.  There is also a collection in the Information Centre for reference purposes.

 

The Healthy Reading Collection covers a broad range of topics that are based on feedback from library customers, partners and informed by NHS health statistics and information.  The collection is reviewed regularly, with titles being updated to ensure they are both current and meeting the needs of our customers.  We are always keen to hear your feedback on current stock or suggestions for new titles and topics to consider including in our collection.  You can email healthinfo@aberdeencity.gov.uk with any questions, feedback or suggestions.  We would love to hear from you.

In co-operation with Health Information Resources Service (Grampian), there is a Health Information Point (HIP) in the Information Centre of the Central Library, Mastrick Library and Tillydrone Library. The HIPs provide high quality accessible information on a range of health topics, mainly focusing on health promotion, for example;

  • smoking cessation
  • healthy eating
  • exercise
  • heart health

Information is also provided on other medical issues and topics such as cancer, asthma and strokes. All publications and leaflets are free.

You can find staffed Health Information Points at the Concourse at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and the Health Village, Frederick Street. The NHS Grampian Healthpoints page provides more information on their range of services and opening hours. 

 

We have a number of special events coming up over the next couple of months.  For more information, please follow the link.

 

Planning for Planting in Spring

Monday 4th March, 6pm - 7pm, Central Library Information Centre

 

Seed Saving: Why it's important and how to get involved

Monday 11th March, 6pm - 7pm, Central Library

 

Bonsai For Beginners

Wednesday 20th March, 6pm - 7pm, Central Library

 

Getting Familiar: Growing your own medicinal herbs

Wednesday 27th March, 6pm - 7pm, Central Library 

If you would like to access any of these services, find out more about what is on offer or chat about health related topics, you can do so in the following ways;

 

Email - healthinfo@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Telephone - 01224 070707

 

All information is treated in the strictest confidence.  Please note, this is an information service only.  If you feel unwell or need medical attention, please contact your GP or health professional.

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