Health and Wellbeing
Libraries contribute to all aspects of health and wellbeing as part of their daily activities and services. Libraries also help people improve their health through provision of trusted, quality health information, signposting people to appropriate resources and organisations, and with health events often in partnership with other groups. Some of these organisations are listed below, please click the links for further information.
ALISS - A Local Information System for Scotland
ALISS is a national digital programme enabling people and professionals to find and share information on health and wellbeing resources, services, groups, and support in their local communities and online. ALISS aims to ensure that everyone in Scotland has the right information, at the right time, about resources that are available to help them live well and stay connected to their community.
NHS Inform - Scottish health information you can trust
NHS inform is Scotland’s national health information service. It provides the people in Scotland with accurate and relevant information to help them make informed decisions about their own health and the health of the people they care for.
NHS Inform - Scotland’s Service Directory
Details of health & wellbeing services in Scotland. Includes GP practices, dental services and support groups.
Near Me is a video consulting service that enables people to attend NHS appointments from home or wherever is convenient. The service is widely used across NHS Scotland, Social Security Scotland, Local Authorities and other organisations for appointments across a wide range of public services.
Private space is available in Elgin, Forres, Buckie and Aberlour Libraries for appointments to take place. iPad available and staff on hand to advise on the technical aspects. Email nearme@moray.gov.uk to arrange an appointment or contact any of the libraries mentioned above directly.
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. Memories sessions are held in Elgin, Forres, Buckie and Keith Libraries at the following times:-
Keith – 1st Friday of the month at 11am
Buckie – last Monday of the month at 2pm
Forres – last Monday of the month at 2.30pm
Elgin – last Thursday of the month at 1.30pm
You are welcome to attend the sessions which are led by staff and volunteers. Refreshments will be served as part of the session. No booking is required, please just turn up.
Memory boxes
Memory boxes contain a selection of old items which have been chosen to prompt conversation and discussion and stimulate memories of when people were young or items they remember from their family home. The handling, seeing, smelling, touching of these items can stimulate recall and bring people into the present moment. The boxes may be borrowed by individuals, care homes, dementia groups, etc and are issued in the same way as borrowing any other item from the library. Search the library catalogue for Memory Boxes and place a reservation.
Hearing Aid Batteries – Hearing aid batteries available for collection from Elgin, Forres, Keith, Burghead or Tomintoul libraries. Sizes 13 and 312 for NHS issue hearing aids are available. Please bring along your battery letter to permit the issue of batteries. Maximum of 2 packets issued at any
Playlist for Life
Over two decades of scientific research has shown that listening to a personalised playlist can improve the lives of those living with dementia. In fact, listening to music that is personally meaningful has many psychological benefits, meaning anyone can benefit from a playlist. Personalised playlists can:
• reduce anxiety
• improve your mood
• make difficult tasks more manageable
• evoke memories that can help families and carers connect.
The Playlist for Life charity was set up by Sally Magnusson in response to her mother’s dementia and the impact music had on her mother’s life after much of her other faculties had diminished.
Moray Libraries are information points for Playlist for Life. Pop in for a leaflet with further information or access a free computer to learn more.
All Moray libraries are Breastfeeding friendly
Benefits of reading
It has been proven that reading for 6 minutes per day can help reduce stress levels. Join the library and browse our catalogue and find something to suit your taste.
Access E-books, E-magazines and e-audio for free with your library membership.
What else?
Book groups; knit & natter; period products available free in all libraries; Housebound reader service through volunteers.
All library events can be found on the events page of our catalogue.