Londoners struggling to get online are being offered free, hands-on help to access health services this week, as libraries across the capital team up with the NHS in a major push to tackle digital exclusion.
From 19th to 25th October, library teams are running drop-in sessions to help Londoners download the NHS App, set up an NHS login, book appointments, order repeat prescriptions and view their health records – all as part of Get Online Week.
Dr. Chris Streather, Regional Medical Director for the NHS in London, said: “Across London, we’re seeing thousands of people turn to the NHS App to manage their health, whether that’s booking a GP appointment whilst on the bus, or ordering their prescription from the kitchen table. But we also know that for some of our communities, that same technology can feel like a barrier rather than a help.
“That’s exactly why this partnership with London’s libraries matters so much. These are spaces people already know and trust, often just down the road from where they live, and library staff are brilliant at helping people with their questions and concerns.
“If you’ve been putting off downloading the NHS App, or you’ve got it on your phone but aren’t sure how to use it, please come along to one of our sessions this week. Someone will sit with you, one-to-one, for as long as you need.”
While traditional routes to the NHS will always remain available, the NHS App offers a simple and secure way to access NHS services, without having to wait in a phone queue or visit a GP surgery. For many Londoners, especially those without home internet access or who are nervous about using technology, booking a GP appointment or viewing their health records online can feel out of reach.
Trusted as welcoming community spaces, London libraries are stepping in to close that gap this week, offering free Wi-Fi, computers and tablets, alongside expert, friendly guidance.
Health Innovation Minister James Frith said: “Technology should make it easier for people to access the support they need, not create another barrier. The NHS App puts healthcare in people’s pockets, making it easier to order repeat prescriptions, manage appointments and access trusted NHS advice.
“By helping older people and others who may need extra support to use the app, these library sessions will make it easier for more people to manage their health and access the information they need. This is particularly important as we head into winter, when demand on the NHS increases and it is vital that people can access the right advice and support to stay well.
“This is an important part of making sure our NHS modernisation works for everyone. I’d encourage anyone who would like help setting up or using the NHS App to find out what support is available at their local participating library during Get Online Week.”
The sessions come as part of national partnership between NHS England and more than 1,100 libraries, to tackle digital exclusion.
Woolwich Centre Library is just one of these participating community centres. The team’s ‘Learn My Way’ sessions will run this Wednesday (21st October, 11am to 12pm) and Thursday (22nd October, 2:30pm to 3:30pm), teaching digital skills and improving online confidence.
Tatayana D’Souza, Senior Libraries Manager for Woolwich Centre Library, said: “At Woolwich Centre Library, we’re committed to making digital services accessible to everyone. Libraries play a vital role in bridging the digital divide, providing welcoming, trusted spaces where people can develop new skills and access essential services.
“We’re delighted to support Get Online Week in partnership with the NHS, helping our community feel more confident and independent when managing their health online. It’s another great example of how libraries are evolving to meet the needs of the communities they serve.”
The library also tackles digital exclusion year-round, offering free SIM cards to eligible residents, free access to public computers, and take-home resources on digital skills and online safety.
Elsewhere in the capital, Kilburn Library in Brent is offering both practical health checks and digital skills in one convenient session this Thursday (22nd October). Local communities will be able to get screened for bowel cancer, and also ask questions about the NHS App, in a drop-in session from 10:30am to 2:30pm. The library will also offer ongoing digital skills training every Tuesday throughout October and November.
Councillor Tina Amadi, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Cost-of-Living Support for Brent Council, said: “Libraries make a real difference to people’s lives, providing trusted and accessible support at the heart of our communities. We know that not everyone feels confident accessing health services online, and these friendly, one-to-one sessions will help residents use the NHS App and access vital health services.
“Through Get Online Week, Brent libraries and the Brent Health Matters team are helping more people develop the digital skills and confidence they need to manage their health online.”
Over in Hillingdon, residents can get support at NHS App events held at Ickenham Library (Tuesday 20th October 2pm to 3pm), Ruislip Manor Library (Friday 23rd October 10am to 12pm), and West Drayton Library (Friday 2pm to 3pm), where staff are helping local people to make the most of its digital resources.
A drop-in session at Richmond Lending Library will take place on Thursday 22nd October, between 10am and 2pm. There, Londoners can access one-to-one or group support with using the NHS App, including help setting it up and navigating its features.
In collaboration with Power to Connect, Southfields Library will offer support with online queries at their session on Wednesday 21st October (2pm to 4pm).
At all participating libraries, staff and volunteers will be on hand to help with digital devices, including using library computers, laptops or tablets and connecting to free Wi-Fi, as well as guiding people through how to set up their NHS App login and use features such as ordering repeat prescriptions.
