Trusted health and wellbeing resources

All our libraries have community information folders, boards and displays with:

  • local activities
  • local services - including charities
  • local health organisations
  • what’s on and events
  • information booklets and health flyers
  • support for you to find trusted health information

Drop in and have a look. If you can’t find what you're searching for our library and staff will be able to  support you in finding the relevant information.

To access any of this information in another language or have it read aloud please press the Speak/Translate button at the top right of your screen. 

Health and Wellbeing Information Points

All our libraries have Health and Wellbeing Information Points with trusted sources of information from a range of healthcare partners along with a changing collection of books to support you to maintain your health and wellbeing.

Keep safe

All our libraries are keep safe spaces

Warm spaces 

All libraries offer a warm safe space for you to sit and have a hot drink

Near Me

Near Me is secure video consulting approved for use by the Scottish Government and NHS Scotland. It enables people to attend medical appointments from home or in a location convenient to them.

Near Me is available in private rooms at both Dunbar and Tranent libraries. 

Library staff can support you to set up near me on your personal device. 

Being a partner in my care

Being a partner in my care provides you with tools and resources to take more control over decisions about your care, based on what matters to you. It will help everyone to discuss their  needs and views with healthcare professionals. This will all help to put your needs are at the centre of your care. You can use the website or mobile app to:

  • Prepare for a healthcare appointment
  • Discuss options for your treatment during a consultation with a healthcare professional
  • Follow up after your appointment

Library staff can support you to download and navigate the app or the website.

It's Ok to Ask

It’s important to know what’s going on with your own healthcare. Knowing the right questions to ask can make all the difference. It's Ok to Ask will help you to prepare for your next appointment.

Trusted resources

In an emergency dial 999 

Breathing Space  call 0800 83 85 87

Samaritans call 116 123

East Lothian Wellbeing Resource Hub

The Wellbeing Resource Hub is a drop-in information-giving service, hosted by NHS Adult Mental Health, with representatives from Changes, Psychological Therapies, Citizens Advice Bureau and East Lothian Works.

The space is open to the public and runs every Wednesday from 12-2pm at the entrance foyer of East Lothian Community Hospital, Hospital Road, Haddington, EH41 3PF. The hub is based opposite the RVS community café which has refreshments on offer.

The Wellbeing Resource Hub – East Lothian Psychological Therapy Service (nhslothian.scot)

General health information  

We stock a range of books to support your general health and wellbeing. Our collection is picked based on recommendations health experts have made to the Reading Agency and through our engagement with local and national partners who are experts in their fields.  

For additional health information online:

East Lothian Health Services 

or;

Mental health

We have books, videos and audio books to support you with your mental health. Each library stocks information leaflets from support services.  

Your local mental health services can be found at:

Care When It Counts - Mental Health Service

Children’s and young people's wellbeing

We have books for parents and care givers to support children and young people. 

We also have books specially designed to support children from early years to young adults.  These include books about grief, puberty, anxiety, dementia, and coping.   

Find out about local support 

 Children and Young People's Mental Health and Wellbeing

 Young Scot 

Parents Club 

Older people

We offer a range of groups and activities which are open to all ages. You can access a range of learning opportunities for free through online resources

information on services and advice for older people

Milan provides services for older Asian people

Physical health

We have local information about groups where you can get involved in a activity, pop into your local branch to find out more.

Find out about physical activities to support health:

Addiction

We have books about addiction in our branches - search our library catalogue.

To find local support:

East Lothian Health Services

MELDAP website

Accessibility

  • find accessible information about all our branches
  • to apply for or renew a Blue Badge go to Gov.uk - for help to apply for or renew a Blue Badge contact your local library to make an appointment with one of our staff
  • toilets:
    • if you need to access a locked accessible toilet you can purchase a RADAR key from our libraries
    • Haddington, Tranent and North Berwick libraries have accessible toilets with hoists
    • other libraries have a accessible toilet with exception at Musselburgh Library where the nearest accessible toilet can be found in the Brunton Hall
    • find Changing Places toilets
    • find public toilet
  • you can organise a click and collect service from our libraries
  • our home library service is for anyone who, for health and wellbeing reasons, is unable to collect their books.  If you or someone you know has no-one to collect books for them via the click and collect service, then we can get them delivered instead
  • our staff are dementia, carers and keep safe trained

Physical disability 

All our branches have ramps or flat entrances, with automatic or push button doors. We have accessible desks in our branches.  

We have accessible toilets at all branches apart from Musselburgh where there are no public toilets. Public toilets are available at the Brunton Hall. 

If you require assistance within our libraries please speak to our staff who will be happy to accommodate. 

Visual impairment

  • audio books can be accessed through our e-library or on CD
  • you can adjust the speed and font size and style on e-books
  • we have electronic newspapers and magazines in over 60 languages from over 100 countries
  • all our libraries have a stock of large print titles
  • you can join a book group where we can organise the book to be available on audiobook or large print
  • the the RNIB website website is a good source of information

Hearing impairment

  • all our libraries have hearing loops installed, and we have portable loops to support the joining of activities 
  • you can collect free hearing aid batteries given out to those with NHS hearing aids - you need bring in the yellow audiology record book to your local library
  • read more about local Deaf and Blind Services

Neuro divergent

  • we provide dyslexia friendly print books
  • we have a range of coloured overlays
  • you can access more information about dyslexia at your library
  • we have sensory equipment for children and young people at Prestonpans, Tranent, Dunbar and Musselburgh library
  • our libraries offer sensory sessions - contact your local library to find out more
  • we offer sensory books for children and our libraries can offer a sensory bookbug session - speak to our library staff to find out more
  • all libraries have ear defenders and a small number of fidget toys available near the front door to provide extra support during your visit if needed

For further support:

Dementia

We are delighted that all our libraries are dementia friendly locations and we have books and resources available for those living with dementia and their carers. Our collection includes practical guides, memoirs and fiction books.  We have books both for adults and children. The book collection has been developed in conjunction with local dementia groups and Alzheimer Scotland.   

Our resources include reminiscence boxes, Memories Scotland groups, Reading is Caring DVD’s, Relish Jigsaw puzzles and games, and our e-resources.  

Take the Brain Health quiz for support and suggestions for your brain as you age.

Find local support for those living with dementia from:

Dementia Support in East Lothian

Cancer

If you are living with or have recovered from cancer in East Lothian you can find support from:

Improving the Cancer Journey East Lothian

Carers

Working with Carers of East Lothian we have curated a collection of books to support carers, this includes practical guides, memoirs, fiction with carers as a character, support for wellbeing.

If you are home bound because of your caring responsibilities you might want to consider our home library service.

Or if time is limited but you are able to visit the local library you may want to use our click and collect service where you can order specific titles of a selection of items up to a maximum of 6 per person. 

Support for carers:

Support for adult carers and young carers

Carers of East Lothian

Sanitary Products 

Free period products are available at all libraries and across the county.

Gender based violence 

All our libraries are keep safe spaces, if you feel unsafe your local library can support you, please let our staff know that you need support. 

Further support can be found on our webpage about domestic abuse

Welfare Advice

All our libraries offer a warm welcome with access to a hot drink and somewhere to sit.   

Some of our libraries have a coat and uniform swap available.Check our library directory for more information.

Other libraries will be able to signpost you to local support in their area. 

Welfare Rights at East Lothian Council

We have computers free to use in all libraries, and our staff can support you to get started.  

All libraries have access to free wifi, and spaces available to work from.  

Some libraries have private rooms to hold confidential calls. 

If you need additional support in completing online forms please speak to staff at John Muir House, Brunton Hall, Dunbar, Tranent, Prestonpans and North Berwick Library.  

 

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