Hillingdon libraries offered a range of free activities to raise awareness of the importance of health and wellbeing during February for Heart Month.

The programme started with a health fair at Uxbridge Library on Friday 3 February, which was attended by more than 100 residents. Local stalls included the Macular Society, Mind, Hillingdon Carers, Hillingdon Sports and Leisure Complex, Hillingdon CCG, Stroke Association and Age UK Hillingdon.

Activities throughout the month included chairobics, indoor curling, origami, healthy walks, therapeutic gardening, healthy eating and fitness storytimes, line dancing, zumba and fitness sessions for under-5s.

Cllr Richard Lewis, Cabinet Member for Central Services, Culture and Heritage, said: “It was good to see how popular this initiative has been again this year.

“Wellbeing is fast becoming one of our central library themes.

“There is a varied, regular programme of activities with a health and wellbeing focus on offer at each of our libraries, and each year our Heart Month aims to further inspire residents to make small changes towards a healthier lifestyle.”

The activities were well attended across the borough, with storytimes at Harlington and Oak Farm libraries attracting up to 50 children and parents per session.

A line dance at Uxbridge Library on February 5 also proved popular.

Another highlight was a health point on the fourth level of Uxbridge Library, where residents between 40 and 74 and 17 and 24 could attend a free drop-in health check with a pharmacist and get confidential advice on a range of topics.

This service will now continue throughout the year - on the first Friday in the month between 10am and noon, by appointment only, and on the first Saturday in the month between 10am and 4pm, either by appointment or drop-in.

Residents diagnosed with ongoing health problems or those who have had a health check in the past five years will not be eligible.

Anyone who wants a check must live in Hillingdon or be registered with a GP in the borough.

For more information on libraries visit www.hillingdon.gov.uk/libraries.