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When Christmas and New Year celebrations are over and routines start to return to normal, many of us can feel anxious or worried. At this time of the year people can feel concerned about their health, money, how to heat their homes, travelling in winter and more. But the good news is that there is help at hand.
Read on for some positive suggestions, as well as information about what your library can do to help.
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There are many sources of help for people who are struggling to make ends meet. Cheshire East have compiled a list of people, places, and organisations including food banks, debt advice, free school meals, Citizens Advice, childcare and much more. Please click on this button below and follow the links.
The Cheshire East Cost of Living Crisis Team is available Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5pm. Tel 0300 1235024
Look out for Cheshire East Stay Well Squad who will be out and about in Cheshire East offering free health and wellbeing checks.
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These days a lot of information is only available online. If you know someone who struggles to access websites or just needs pointing in the right direction, ask them to get in touch with their local library and book a session with an IT Buddy. IT Buddies give one-to-one help with all aspects of getting online, including how to find information, filling in forms, as well as how to use phones, tablets and other devices.
See the list or libraries on the button below and get in touch.
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Getting through the dark days of winter can be a challenge. Being fearful of driving in the dark, slipping and falling or just feeling low, can really reduce our motivation to improve things. So trying to focus on our health and wellbeing is very important.
The NHS gives advice about how we can look after ourselves and have identified 5 steps to good mental wellbeing. These are:
- Connect with other people
- Be physically active
- Learn new skills
- Give to others
- Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)
Please click on the button below to find out more.
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 Reading Well is a scheme that provides collections of books which support you to understand and manage your health and wellbeing. Reading Well books are all recommended by health experts, as well as people with lived experience of the conditions.
There is a huge evidence base around the value of reading to support health and wellbeing.
Click on the buttons below to find out which books are on the lists. You can place a hold for any of the titles and we will notify you when the book is available for collection at your chosen library. Holds are free of charge for Reading Well books.
Reading Well books are also available as eBooks and eAudio free of charge for library members on our library app, BorrowBox.
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Maybe this is a good time to think about how to help the children in your life. We have Reading Well collections for children too.
Public Health England have compiled some resources for teachers about their 'Every Mind Matters' campaign. If you work with young people, click on the button below for for some really valuable top tips.
If you are a teacher, and would like to arrange to visit the library with your class, please get in touch to arrange this. We would be pleased to provide an age appropriate introduction to the library which aims to excite and encourage young readers.
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Loneliness can affect anyone, at any age. Loneliness has no common cause. Sometimes it can be triggered by a life event or change in situation, or it may not be triggered by anything at all. We all experience feeling lonely in different ways. It's really important to remember that loneliness and difficult feelings can pass.
Cheshire East libraries bring people together so if you are feel the need to connect with others, pop along and say hello. Libraries run many activities for people of all ages including young children, families, and adults, so there is something for everyone. You might consider joining a book club, singing nursery rhymes at Rhymetime with your children, improving your knitting, or simply doing the jigsaw.
Come along and we will give you a friendly welcome
Silverline offers a free 24-hour confidential telephone helpline offering information, friendship and advice to people over 55. Call 0800 4 70 80 90
The Mix offers free confidential help for under-25s to get support online and via a helpline:
- call 0808 808 4494
- text "THEMIX" to 85258
- visit The Mix website for a free online chat service
LGBT Foundation - confidential and judgement-free support for LGBTQ+ people and their loved ones:
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The library service aims to provide positive, non-judgemental spaces for everyone to enjoy. This includes providing uplifting, feel-good books and reading materials. If you are stuck at home for whatever reason, you can read our eBooks or eMagazines free of charge.
Here is a couple of books you might want to try
Bill Bailey's remarkable guide to happiness
Bill explores the nature of happiness and ways to be happy. Being Bill Bailey however, he does so in his own, remarkable, Bill Bailey way. He attempts to see beyond the mumbo-jumbo of the wellness industry and aims for the heart of real joy and contentment and how we can all achieve it.
Happy Cooking by Candice Brown
Candice Brown says: 'These recipes are all dishes that make me smile - they give me joy and I want to share that joy with you. From my go-to Chicken Nuggets and Brown Butter Macaroni Cheese to my Cinnamon Pastry Twists, you'll find all my everyday favourites here.'
Just check it out on your BorrowBox app
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Just a few more days to have your say
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We hope to see you soon!
We always welcome feedback about our services. If you have enjoyed this newsletter or have any suggestions for improvement, please send us an email to libraries@cheshiresharedservices.gov.uk.
Alternatively pop into your local library and let the staff know. Thank you.
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