MONMOUTH Library is to offer a lively day of information and activities to support wellbeing on Tuesday 21st April from 10.30am to 3pm. 

The aim is to highlight the health and wellbeing information and support available in libraries from the Macmillan in Monmouthshire Service and other local partners.

A shared reading session at 12pm will feature a story and poem in addition to talks, short films, information, quizzes and taster sessions from other organisations taking part. 

These include the Health Promotion Library, the NHS screening team and SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen's Families Association) which offers lifelong support for the armed forces and their families.

Age Cymru, working in partnership with Prostate Cancer UK, will feature two taster sessions of Nordic walking at 11am and 2pm. 

The two organisations are delivering an exercise programme across Wales for men living with prostate cancer and their partners and families to increase physical activity and support treatment recovery. 

Nordic Walking uses specially designed lightweight poles which provide great support and maximise the effects of the exercise.

Also attending will be The Alzheimer's Society, The Education Programme for Patients, Christians against Poverty and the befrienders team from Monmouth's Bridges Community Centre, offering practical help or volunteering opportunities.

Information will be available about wellbeing activities at Monmouth Leisure Centre, learning to knit with the Caldicot Library Knit and Natter group and the fun groups based in libraries.

A new shared reading group at Usk Library has also been organised by Monmouthshire Libraries and the Macmillan in Monmouthshire Service.

Starting on Monday 20th April at 10am, the Usk Library group is the latest of a number of schemes established in the county, allowing participants to unwind while listening to a great story read by library staff.

Originating in Liverpool, shared reading groups were spearheaded by the Reader Organisation whose aims are to make stories accessible to all and to help promote wellbeing. 

The new sessions in Usk Library are free and aim to be fun, relaxing and a little bit different, while allowing an opportunity to discuss the story. 

Lasting for about an hour, they will be held on a regular basis.

For more information on either the Monmouth or Usk events, contact Monmouth-shire's Macmillan Information and Support Coordinator Erica Sheppard at erica

sheppard@monmouth

shire.gov.uk or telephone 07826 876772.