Plymouth launches Jump into January
Local people are invited to attend an event which kicks off a month of health and wellbeing activities.
Jump Into January will launch at Plymouth’s Central Library on Saturday 10 January from 10am to 2pm.
This is Plymouth City Council’s Libraries Service’s first month-long programme of health and wellbeing events to kick start the New Year, in partnership with Plymouth Community Healthcare. January is the perfect time to turn over a new leaf, be it learning a skill, hobby or deciding to make healthier lifestyle choices.
Councillor Pete Smith, Deputy Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “National research has shown that good health and positive mental wellbeing come from a range of factors and actions. These include connecting with other people around us, continuing to learn or develop new interests, being active, taking notice of the world around us, and giving to others as part of the wider community. The Jump into January programme shows the role of libraries in supporting all these things.
“At the launch event, you will be able to find out about the activities planned for Jump into January. There will be lots of health information and advice available plus you can enjoy a free massage or have a go on the smoothie bike.”
The Livewell Team, part of Plymouth Community Healthcare, will be providing information and advice on mental health, alcohol, healthy weight, and general advice on living well. They will also be offering free health checks which cover BMI, cholesterol, weight, height, blood pressure, alcohol usage, stop smoking advice, and give an overall health risk score. The team will be providing stop smoking appointments and a drop in clinic if you are interested in quitting smoking. You can also join in with some physical activity with a 30 minute guided walk setting off from the library at 11am.
If you would like to have either a health check, or a stop smoking appointment, then please contact the Livewell team on 01752 437 177 or email livewell@nhs.net.
Councillor Sue McDonald, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Public Health, said: “Jump into January is one of a number of schemes in Plymouth aimed at encouraging people to be proactive and improve their own health and wellbeing. Other initiatives include the I Love Life campaign with Plymouth Herald, and Thrive Plymouth, our new scheme with employers to improve workplace wellbeing.”
There will be a range of other organisations providing health information including The Stroke Association, Plymotion, Healthwatch, Plymouth Options, AAA Screening, Cities of Service, the Reader Organisation, Plymouth’s City Council Sports Development Team and the Workers Education Authority.
Livewell have a variety of health promotion resources that are available for loan to healthcare professionals and community groups. This collection will be available from Saturday 10 January.
The Council’s library service provides information on a range of health, wellbeing and social care issues and services. This includes a selection of health titles in all libraries and staff trained to help you find good quality health information and support. Further details are available www.plymouth.gov.uk/healthandwellbeing. You can view all the details of Jump into January events in our brochure at www.plymouth.gov.uk/jumpintojanuary or contact the library on 01752 305900.
• Plymouth is also encouraging local employers to sign up for our Thrive Plymouth scheme to improve work place wellbeing. For more information go to www.plymouth.gov.uk/thrive
