Try something new at libraries during Health and Wellbeing Week

Libraries across Cheshire West and Chester will once again be offering a wide range of free activities to help improve your mental and physical wellbeing during their Health and Wellbeing Week 2026.

There will be something for everyone in libraries between Monday 19th and Sunday 25th January 2026.

The Library Service is teaming up with a range of partners including Age UK, Brio Leisure, Citizens Advice, Healthbox, Healthwatch, Health Rangers, Koala Northwest, Snow Angels, Tomorrows Women and Vision Support.

Libraries are also encouraging everyone to boost their wellbeing by reading a book for just six minutes a day, with the ‘Sit for Six’ challenge, which ties in with 2026 being the National Year of Reading.

Partners will be at health and wellbeing marketplaces at Ellesmere Port Library on Tuesday 20 January and Storyhouse Chester on Wednesday 21 January between 10am and 4pm.

Other highlights include:

• Wellbeing Walks at Blacon Library, Ellesmere Port Library, Lache Library. Neston Library, Northwich Library Tattenhall Library and Winsford Library. These walks are supported by the Health Ranger and Green Infrastructure team at Cheshire West and Chester Council.
   
• An unmissable evening of crime fiction with two outstanding crime authors – T. M. Payne and Caroline Corcoran – for an exclusive evening of conversation and insight at Neston Library.
   
• Creative writing workshop and sound bathing taster session at Northwich Library at Weaver Hall Museum.
   
• Mind and Motion, a chair-based exercise session at Sandiway Library.
   
• Brio health checks at Frodsham Library, Helsby Library, Neston Library and Weaverham Library.
   
• Mini Health and Wellbeing marketplace at Little Sutton Library with Mental Health Recovery, New Beginnings and NHS Recovery and Wellness.

Tickets to bookable events are available at: 

Cheshire West and Chester Council Libraries event tickets from TicketSource.

Every year, one in four of us will experience a mental health problem but reading for just six minutes a day can have a direct and significant impact on stress levels. Whether it be a gripping thriller or a cosy romance, reading can help improve your mental health. 

Mindlab International has conducted research that shows how beneficial reading a book for just six minutes can be.  Watch David Lewis of Mindlab International talking about the research findings here: 

Just six minutes | Cheshire West and Chester Council.

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Director of Communities and Environment, Maria Byrne 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.  Also, take the challenge - pick up a book, find a comfy chair and take six minutes for yourself today.”

To find out about all the fantastic wellbeing events visit: 

Library events | Cheshire West and Chester Council.

The borough’s libraries offer an extensive range of resources to help raise awareness about mental health whilst also providing access to information that will enable people to lead happier and healthier lives too.

On the libraries website you will find sources of information and advice from a whole host of health organisations, and support for children, young people and adults:

Health and wellbeing | Cheshire West and Chester Council

Anyone who loves reading but can’t get to the library can go to:

Home Library Service

Volunteers can deliver books, large print books and talking books to residents who can’t visit the library.

For information about all library events sign up to their eNewsletter or follow libraries on social media: 

Facebook: @cwaclibrary, X @cwaclibraries and Instagram @cwaclibraries.

There are 22 libraries across Cheshire West and Chester, a Mobile Library and Home Library Service. It is free to join and books can be borrowed from and returned to any library.

You can access computers and wi-fi for free or join in with a wide range of events and activities for all ages. There are also thousands of free eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines to borrow.

To find out more visit the Council’s website:

 www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/libraries.

To sign up and get a library card number, just fill in the online form on the library catalogue: 

Cheshire Libraries Catalogue (koha-ptfs.co.uk)

If you have a library card but are not sure of your PIN/password or need to renew your library card then email: 

libraries@cheshiresharedservices.gov.uk

This winter visit your local library for a warm and friendly welcome.  Warm, Welcoming Spaces are available during library opening times, providing a space for you to say warm and safe.  

Find out more and share the details with friends and neighbours: 

Welcoming spaces | Cheshire West and Chester Council