From 21 July, Crayford Library will open on Tuesdays and Thursdays as part of Your Life, Your Choice Days, a new initiative bringing Adult Social Care advice and support into the heart of the community.

 The initiative will make it easier for adults and carers to access information, advice and guidance in a familiar and welcoming environment. Residents will also be able to use the library and Post Office facilities on these additional opening days.

 Adult Social Care staff will have a regular presence at Crayford Library every Tuesday and Thursday, providing residents with the opportunity to drop in, ask questions and speak to someone face-to-face.

The sessions are part of the Council’s Your Life, Your Choice vision, which aims to help people stay independent, connected and informed by making support easier to access at the right time. By providing early advice and guidance, the Council wants to help residents understand the options available to them and support people to maintain their independence for longer.

 As well as general advice, Adult Social Care staff will provide information on topics including paying for care, Lasting Power of Attorney, Deputyship and support available for carers. Residents will also be able to see and try a range of small aids and equipment designed to support independent living.

The service will continue to develop in response to feedback and local need. Over time, this may include bookable appointments for services such as equipment clinics, carers’ assessments and other Adult Social Care support.

 Cllr Brian Bishop, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, said:

Libraries are valued community spaces where residents already come together to access information, support and services. Bringing more Council services into these spaces means we can make it easier for people to get the help and advice they need, closer to home.

It is also fantastic that this initiative will give residents access to Crayford Library on two additional days each week, making even better use of this important community resource.”

 Cllr Janice Ward-Wilson, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said:

Your Life, Your Choice is about giving residents the information, support and confidence they need to make choices about their lives and stay independent for as long as possible.

By bringing Adult Social Care into Crayford Library, we are creating a welcoming space where residents can have conversations, ask questions and find out about the support available to them. Early advice and support can make a real difference, helping people remain connected, informed and in control of the choices that matter to them.”

Your Life, Your Choice Days will take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 21 July at Crayford Library. ASC staff will be available from 9am to 5pm, with the self-service library operating from 9:30am to 5:30pm.

During these additional opening hours, residents will be able to borrow books and access computers and Wi-Fi through the library’s self-service facilities, alongside the Adult Social Care support available on site.