Do you know how to protect yourself from scams? Stay physically safe? Recognise elder abuse? Be financially secure? Obtain a Power of Attorney? Improve communication or pursue mediation?

We will have a panel of experts to help you understand all these issues with practical information and handy hints to live a full, happy and secure life hosted by the Central West Region Collaborative for the Prevention of Abuse of Older People.

The experts include solicitor Jill Marshall from Legal Aid NSW, Aged Crime Prevention Officer Melissa Smith, Adjunct Professor Sue Field, Financial Information Services Officer Christine Wright and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner Relationships Australia Jane Atkinson.

There will be two sessions held at Orange City Library on Wednesday 21 April at:

10.45am for morning tea, 11am – 12noon presentation

And

5.15pm for afternoon tea, 5.30pm – 6.30pm presentation.

Please book your place online via Eventbrite or call Orange City Library on 6393 8132. Please note, there is no need to print your ticket, we will check you in on arrival.

Self-help books to manage pain. ACI Pain Management Network, part of NSW Health, has supplied Central West Libraries with books for chronic pain sufferers and their families. Childrens books include Grr Ouch! Pain is like a grouchy bear by Cathryn Moran and illustrated by Crystal Beshara, and titles suitable for adults include The Pain Book by Phillip Siddell and Living well with pain and illness: the mindful way to free yourself from suffering. The books are ready for you to borrow through Central West Libraries.

Caterpillars in the Library! We have joined the effort to change the face of men’s health in Movember by becoming part of Orange City Council’s team Caterpillar Country.

Michael Vella (pictured) and Peter Douglass (photo to feature soon) are growing their Mos as “Mo Bros”, and Tammy Atkinson has joined as a “Mo Sista” to help raise funds for the Movember annual charity initiative that sees the sprouting of moustaches on guys around the globe during November to raise awareness for prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health. Call into the Library, Council or go online to make a donation.

It's National Drug Action Week!!! – a week of activities to raise awareness about alcohol and other drugs (AOD) issues in Australia. Orange City Library is hosting a short information session 'Safe Drinking & Safe Partying' on Tuesday 21 June from 5.30pm. We have guest speakers, information packs, fun prizes for our quick quiz and refreshments will be served.
It will be held on Tuesday 21 June from 5.30pm with special guests from Orange Police and Greater Western Area Health Service. Please RSVP to 6393 8132.

A grant of $71,000 will start an innovative program called Books on Prescription to help people with common mental health disorders as well as their families, friends and employers in the Central West. Public Libraries NSW  Country, Central West Zone (PLC CWZ) has been successful in its 2010/11 Library Development Grants Application for its Books on Prescription program. Central West Libraries Manager Jan Richards said they were thrilled to be able to bring Books on Prescription to communities in the Central West. Books on Prescription is a highly effective way of helping people with common mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, phobias and eating disorders. There is first class clinical evidence to show that books can be just as effective as other forms of therapy. In partnership with CWZ Libraries, GPs and other health professionals will prescribe books from a list of high quality, self-help manuals selected by experienced mental health practitioners.
This project will be developed in partnership with the Greater Western Area Health Service (GWAHS) whose footprint matches the CWZ, the relevant Divisions of General Practice and other health providers. Congratulations to all involved!