Helping hand from libraries

Older people in rural communities across Perth and Kinross are to get a helping hand from their local librarian.

After mobile library vans started offering hearing aid batteries, librarians will now also include walking stick ferrules (the rubber tip on the end of a walking stick), datalink bottles and information on both benefits and home safety visits.

Mobile libraries visit some of the most remote communities in Perth and Kinross, and often for many can be one of the only social interactions they have.

The idea has been developed by Culture Perth and Kinross, which runs the mobile library service, Highland ward councillor Mike Williamson, and the home safety partnership.

A spokesperson for Culture Perth and Kinross said:“Anybody requiring their walking stick ferrule changed can bring their stick to a mobile library and the driver will replace it. The drivers will also distribute datalink bottles.

“These small plastic bottles are kept in a person’s fridge and contain information on an individual’s medical condition or medication.

“This allows the emergency services to quickly assess a situation if a medical emergency should arise.

“Also available is a leaflet from the welfare rights team and an invite to have a free home safety check from Scottish Fire and Rescue.”

Funding has come from the community planning partnership to buy equipment and train staff.