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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.

 

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 652500 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. 

 

Memories Scotland - We have recently launched our Memories Scotland sessions in Central Library and Cove Library.  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 1st August 2023 - 2:30-4:00
  • Tuesday 5th September 2023 - 2:30-4:00
  • Tuesday 3rd October 2023 - 2:30-4:00
  • Tuesday 7th November 2023 - 2:30-4:00
  • Tuesday 5th December 2023 - 2:30-4:00

Cove Library:

  • Tuesday 25th July 2023 - 2:30-4:00
  • Tuesday 29th August 2023 - 2:30-4:00
  • Tuesday 16th September 2023 - 2:30-4:00
  • Tuesday 31st October 2023 - 2:30-4:00
  • Tuesday 28th November 2023 - 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 652513 or email healthinfo@aberdeencity.gov.uk. 

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 652500

 

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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