March is Wellbeing Month at West Sussex Libraries

Next week marks the start of Wellbeing Month across all 36 West Sussex libraries.

Throughout March, libraries will be celebrating all the ways that books, reading and local libraries can help people stay healthy and well.

Special events taking place include:

• Wellbeing MOT’s – offering advice, help and support on healthy diet, weight loss, stopping smoking, reducing alcohol, and more.
• West Sussex MIND – will be advising residents about their new campaign ‘Moving Minds’ and providing information about the mental health services they offer.
• Apetito drop-in and free taster – come and sample some of the delicious foods on offer from West Sussex County Council’s Meals on Wheels provider Apetito, who provide hot meals to elderly and vulnerable people across the county (Southwick library only).

There will also be NHS health checks, reminiscence taster sessions, story walks for children, games for families. Plus regular events including Knit and Natter, Relax with Colouring and ‘Melody for the Mind’, a singing group for people with dementia and their carers.

‘Melody for the Mind’ sessions are currently run at Broadfield, East Grinstead and Southwick Libraries, with a brand-new session starting at Chichester on Thursday 5 March.

Duncan Crow, Cabinet Member for Fire and Rescue and Communities, said: “Libraries always have communities at the heart of everything they do, and this month is no exception.

“Wellbeing, both physical and emotional, is so important and the programme that has been created by the libraries team for Wellbeing Month has a variety of great activities, events and reading that will hopefully make our residents feel happier and healthier in mind and body.”

All libraries will have displays of books chosen by library staff to lift the readers mood and help them feel better. The genres range from uplifting poetry to non-fiction titles with practical advice for difficult times.

All the events during Wellbeing Month (and throughout the rest of the year) are listed on the libraries page of our website.

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