A RANGE of free activities to help improve mental and physical wellbeing will be available at libraries across Cheshire West during their Health and Wellbeing Week 2024.

Between Monday, January 22, and Sunday, January 28, there are dozens of activities available including walks, craft sessions, gentle chair exercises, local history talks, a Tai Chi taster and even a murder mystery event.

For the first time, larger libraries will be holding health and wellbeing marketplaces from 10am to 4pm at:

  • Storyhouse Chester on Monday, January 22
  • Neston Library on Tuesday, January 23
  • Ellesmere Port Library on Wednesday, January 24
  • Winsford Library on Friday, January 26

Other highlights include: wellbeing walks followed by refreshments at Blacon Library, Chester Library at Storyhouse, Ellesmere Port Library, and several other locations; 'The Darkest Evening, A Murder Mystery by Ann Cleeves' at Neston Library; and creative, mindfulness and craft workshop at Ellesmere Port Library and Chester Library at Storyhouse with Fallen Angels.

Chester and District Standard:

The Library Service is teaming up with a range of partners to provide something for everyone including: Brio Leisure, Cheshire Police, Cheshire West Communities Together, Citizens Advice, Employment Directions, End of Life Partnership, Fallen Angels, Healthbox, Healthwatch, Health Rangers, Koala North West, Open Eye Gallery, Platform for Life, Primary Care Cheshire, Radiate Arts, The Reader, the Council’s Road Safety team and Starting Well.

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Cabinet Member for a Fairer Future, Councillor Lisa Denson said: "There really is something for everyone during Health and Wellbeing Week, find out what’s on and try something new.

"Don’t forget, there will also be all our usual library activities including adult crafts, scrabble clubs, adult colouring, Knit and Natter sessions, family history support, wellbeing coffee mornings, reading groups, rhymetimes and storytimes."

A full list of each library's upcoming events are available from the Council website, together with sources of information and advice from a whole host of health organisations, and support for young people and adults regarding mental health support.

Councillor Denson added: "If you know someone who loves reading but can’t get to the library tell them to contact us and ask about our Home Library Service. We work in conjunction with volunteers to deliver books, large print books and talking books to anyone who can’t visit the library."

All customers can access library services online and it is now possible to join online and use the digital resources straightaway, gaining free access to thousands of eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, eNewspapers and eResources.

More information about library services and events can also be found at @cwaclibrary on Facebook, and @cwaclibraries on Twitter (X) and Instagram.