Community and mental health services for Southampton, Portsmouth and parts of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

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Celebrating National Libraries Week

Books in library

From 4-10 October, the NHS Library Service at Solent will be marking National Libraries Week.

Although Solent doesn’t provide services for patients, Libraries Week is a brilliant opportunity to celebrate reading resources that people can use to stay well.

Libraries Week recognises libraries of all different types and the breadth of what they offer (most of it for free). They are designed to be there for us, at all stages of our lives, whether we want to listen to ebooks, pick up a hardback, or find somewhere for our kids to do their homework that’s not in the kitchen…

Many of us might not realise, just how much a public library offers, amongst other things, they provide a great range of free resources that can help people stay well and develop their understanding of certain health conditions.

For example, Hampshire Library Service offers various online and face-to-face courses on a range of subjects including ‘Self-Care for Mental Wellbeing’, ‘Jewellery-Making for Wellbeing’, and ‘Starting to Manage Your Anxiety’.

Southampton and Isle of Wight libraries have ‘Books On Prescription’, which give people access to books about chronic conditions like asthma, along with titles that can help explore people’s mental health and wellbeing. Some books offer step by step advice on keeping well, and they are a great way to get trustworthy information that can be difficult to look for on the internet, for those who aren’t always confident browsing the web.

Portsmouth’s public libraries run a Health Enquiry Service (on Zoom for the moment), where people can meet a librarian with experience in finding sources relating to health and wellbeing. Appointments can be made to talk through individual needs, and the labraries will help find the right information.

Many public libraries across the region also have a wide range of events (online or in person) for all ages and diverse interests which can help combat feelings of isolation or loneliness too - it’s well worth taking a look at what you can sign up for!


Helpful information

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

Please visit our services page for specific services and contact details. Alternatively, contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service by emailing or calling the number below. You can also give us feedback, make a complaint or share a compliment.

pals@solent.nhs.uk

0800 013 2319

*Lines are open Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm.

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act was passed on 30 November 2000. It gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities, with full access granted in January 2005.

The Act sets out exemptions to that right and places certain obligations on public authorities.

Email: InformationGovernanceTeam@solent.nhs.uk

Phone: 0300 123 3919

*Subject to any exemptions which apply, we are obliged to provide the information requested please note that requests for Personal Information is not covered under this Act and should be applied for through the Data Protection Act 1998.

Our administrative and managerial centre is based in Southampton.

While our services can be found around various NHS locations in Southampton and Portsmouth (and surrounding districts), our administrative and managerial centre is based in Southampton at:

Highpoint Venue
Bursledon Road
Southampton
SO19 8BR

If you require a printable version of how to find us including bus times, car access and bike info please download our leaflet. (Copyright of Highpoint Venue).

Central office phone: 0300 123 3390

*Lines open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

If you are a journalist with a media enquiry, please contact the Communications Team at:

communications@solent.nhs.uk

0300 123 4156 or 02381 031076

The Communications Office is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.