Health information and support
My Health
My Health is the new initiative from East Renfrewshire Libraries that aims to give you better access to health and wellbeing information. It consists of:
A self help website
get the best information online and in your local area.
choose from a range of health-related subjects.
access hints and tips for a healthier lifestyle.
find out about jobs, money, learning and volunteering.
select information that's relevant to you - if you're a carer, over 60, a parent or have a disability.
discover how to get the best from the web - find good websites, safeguard your privacy and keep your children safe online.
My Health guides
My Health guides cover a variety of topics and feature information relevant to East Renfrewshire. You'll find hints and tips, contact details for local people and organisations, and information on local services.
Adult Learning, Get Active, Get Involved
Health Information Points, Health at your Local Library
Health Care in East Renfrewshire, Health on the Web, Healthy Living
Help in Crisis, Money Advice, Sexual Health.
My Health information points
Barrhead, Giffnock, Neilston and Thornliebank community libraries have Health Information Points (HIPs), which contain:
larger selections of books on healthy living, illness, bereavement and other life issues
the Healthy Reading collection
My Health guides
additional leaflets on health subjects: healthy eating, mental health, sexual health, drug and alcohol information and more
a dedicated PC where you can check out My Health and other useful health websites
the services of a health information officer.
Library staff will do their best to help you find the information you are looking for. Even if there isn’t a health point at your local library, it will still carry many health-related books and leaflets. You’ll also still be able to visit the My Health site, as all community libraries have free Internet access.
Health Information Officer
Health Information Officer Munmun Hyder is available at library HIPs to offer additional advice. You can talk to Munmun in a relaxed atmosphere, with the assurance that your enquiry will be treated with the strictest confidence. Munmun is based at Barrhead Library, but covers the whole of East Renfrewshire. Ask a member of staff at your nearest branch about arranging an appointment.
News
If you want to become more active but don't know where to go locally, try the new Active Scotland website, developed by NHS Health Scotland. Search for your postcode or town and see what's on offer.
Health and libraries
Your local library has always provided helpful information and a wide range of books and other materials, but did you know it's also a great place to find health information? If you're trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle, learn more about an illness or find a local support group, we can help.
Choose from a wide range of practical guides to reduce stress levels and improve your overall health. From alternative and natural remedies to self-help programmes and exercise regimes, you’ll be sure to find a book to suit your needs.
We also have books designed to help you face some of life’s toughest challenges: bereavement, serious illness, redundancy, divorce, debt and family problems.
The Healthy Reading collection
The 'Healthy Reading' collection is designed to assist people who suffer from stress or other emotional problems.
Healthy Reading is all about self-help. The aim is to provide you with information and strategies to achieve and maintain well being. The collection covers a range of mental health issues such as anxiety, low mood, and low self-esteem. With many of these books, you can pick out the chapters that you find most relevant, which makes the information very accessible.
The books have been selected by health professionals and are available from your local library. You can borrow them yourself, or your GP or another health practitioner can recommend a title for you from the Healthy Reading booklist.
Social bookmarks - What are these?