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Healthy living

Books can help you live a healthy, well-informed liPhoto of a healthy lunchfe

Medway Libraries stocks a variety of titles that can help you enjoy a healthier life, with books about nutrition and fun ways to cook healthily, as well as fitness DVDs and books about maintaining a healthy weight.

The libraries hold information about specific health conditions, stocking two special collections of titles dealing with mental health and cancer. More details can be found on the online catalogue or by asking at one of the libraries.

Medway Libraries subscribes to information in electronic formats including online materials and electronic books. Check out the dedicated web page for the eBook and eAudiobook collection.

The libraries host both regular and one-off drop-in support sessions from local and national organisations, and two sets of weighing scales that are free to use. More information about the scales is available on the healthy weight web page. 

People with disabilitiesBusinessperson in a wheelchair using a laptop computer and carers

Visit our people with disabilities page to find out more about the full range of services that Medway Libraries can offer you. 

Medway libraries are hosting a series of events during April - June, in partnership with the RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind people) and Hi-Kent. Click the link in the paragraph above for details.

Are you a carer?

If you have the responsibility for caring for someone you may find it harder to access library services. Information about what the library can offer you is available on the page, Are you a carer?

Online resources

Medway Libraries subscribes to helpful online resources that an be accessed by members of Medway Libraries.

  • Oxford Reference Online has information about medicines, nutrition, nursing and sports science.
  • Medway Libraries maintains a list of useful websites on their list of library links, listed under Health and mental health.

Healthy living drop-in sessions

Want to give up smoking? Want help in maintaining a healthy weight? Medway Libraries hosts drop-in sessions from various support groups, to help you achieve your health goals.

Walking groupsPhoto of a person walking

Walking is the closest thing to perfect exercise. Many people do not realise that regular walking can be enough to keep you healthy. There is a myth that to be fit and healthy you need to join a gym or take up running. But evidence shows that regular brisk walks for 30 minutes on five or more days of the week can give many health benefits. Some of the walking groups meet at library locations.

  • A walking group meets outside Cuxton library every Tuesday morning for a walk lasting approximately 60 minutes. Meet at the library at 10.30am for 10.45am start. Please arrive a few minutes early if you have not been on a walk before.
  • A walking group meets at Hempstead library on the first and third Saturday of the month at 10.30am.
  • A walking group will be starting at Lordswood library on Monday, 11 June, meeting at 9.45 for a 10am start 
  • A walking group meets at Luton library every Thursday morning at 9.45am for a 10am start. Walk will last approximately 60 minutes.
  • A walking group meets at Rochester community hub every Friday morning for a walk lasting approximately 45 - 60 minutes. Meet at the community hub at 9.45 for a 10am start.
  • A walking group meets at Strood library every Tuesday morning. Meet at the library at 9.45 for a 10am start.
  • A walking group meets outside Twydall library every Saturday at 1.45pm
  • A walking group meets at Walderslade Hook library every Wednesday morning. Meet at the library at 9.45am for a 10am start.  

For more information about walks in Medway

If you are interested in finding out more about local walks in your local area, please view the latest list of walks on the walking for health website. For other information about healthy living services in Medway contact A Better Medway.

Domestic abuse

For more information about how libraries can support victims of domestic abuse, please view the domestic abuse page.

Useful links - nationalOlder couple with computer

  • NHS Direct provides health information and advice from the NHS.
  • NHS Choices contains information about living well, a symptom checker and details about local health services.
  • Patient UK provides information for patients and carers.
  • BBC Health gives information and advice, and offers interactive quizzes.
  • Health in my language provides information about health translated into different languages. Although the site is aimed at people living in Scotland, the information about healthy living can be used by anyone living in the UK.

Useful links - local information and support

  • MOLE is a list of local clubs and societies maintained by Medway Libraries.
  • A Better Medway provides practical support in helping local residents lead longer, healthier lives.
  • The Medway LINk is an independent network of local organisations and individuals working to increase the involvement of local people in how health and social care services are provided.
  • Medway Gets Active is your one-stop shop for sports and activity ideas in Medway.
  • Living well in Medway is an information service for adults with low to moderate social care needs, and their carers. 

 

For more information contact Chatham Community Hub by telephone: 01634 337799 or by email: chatham.library@medway.gov.uk

Write to: Chatham Community Hub, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TX

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