New library drop-ins to help people get more from the free NHS app

By James Powell | 2 October, 2025

Suffolk Community Libraries is running a pilot project offering drop-in sessions in libraries to help people access and use the free NHS app.

The drop-in sessions will offer friendly, hands-on support to raise awareness of the app and help people navigate and use it with confidence. The pilot project has been funded by the Integrated Care Academy based at the University of Suffolk. Anyone is welcome to come along to the sessions with any questions about how to use it.

The NHS App lets you manage your healthcare on the go. Once you verify your identity, you can use it to order repeat prescriptions, book appointments, view your health records, manage your vaccinations, and register for organ donation.

The app also enables you to search for health information and find nearby NHS services. Depending on your providers, you might also be able to message your GP and manage hospital appointments through the app.

Drop-ins are taking place at the following libraries: Bury St Edmunds, Chantry, Eye, Framlingham, Gainsborough, Ipswich, Hadleigh, Kedington, Kessingland, Leiston, Stowmarket and Woodbridge.

The NHS App provides a simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services, such as repeat prescription ordering, viewing medical records and making GP appointments.

Kellie Dimmock, Suffolk Community Libraries Information for Living Librarian is co-ordinating the project. She said:

“We’re delighted to be able to work with the Integrated Care Academy to provide these sessions to help local people get to grips with the NHS app. The app can be a huge help to people, helping them to be well and stay well and manage their health care. We know there are still many people who struggle with technology so staff running the sessions will be able to provide advice and guidance to anyone who needs help to make the most of this service.”  

“We are excited to support this project which aligns with the NHS 10-year plan and the move towards digital health services, helping people access and use the NHS app to boost the integration of care for all in the region. The ICA aims to support our communities to connect with digital services and overcome the barriers they face, enabling us to empower communities to confidently manage their health online.”

Confirmed drop-in dates and times:

Ipswich County Library:

• Tuesday 7 October, 11:00 – 13:00
• Tuesday 14 October, 13:00 – 15:00
• Wednesday 15 October, 11:00 – 13:00
• Wednesday 22 October, 13:00 – 15:00
• Tuesday 28 October, 11:00 – 13:00
• Wednesday 29 October, 11:00 – 13:00

Eye Library:

• Wednesday 1 October, 12:00 – 13:00
• Wednesday 8 October, 12:00 – 13:00
• Wednesday 15 October, 12:00 – 13:00
• Wednesday 22 October, 12:00 – 13:00

Gainsborough Community Library:

• Friday 3 October, 11:00 – 13:00
• Tuesday 7 October, 13:30 – 15:30
• Thursday 16 October, 10:00 – 12:00
• Tuesday 21 October, 12:00 – 14:00
• Thursday 30 October, 11:00 – 13:00
• Friday 7 November, 10:00 – 12:00

Chantry Library:

• Monday 6 October, 14:00 – 16:00
• Monday 13 October, 14:00 – 16:00
• Wednesday 22 October, 10:00 – 12:00
• Monday 27 October, 14:00 – 16:00
• Monday 3 November, 14:00 – 16:00
• Monday 10 November, 14:00 – 16:00

Framlingham Library:

• Tuesday 7 October, 15:00 – 16:00 (drop-in)
• Monday 13 October, 14:00 – 15:00 (walkthrough)
• Thursday 30 October, 15:30 – 16:30 (drop-in)
• Tuesday 4 November, 15:00 – 16:00 (walkthrough)

Stowmarket Library:

• Wednesday 1 October, 10:00 – 12:00
• Thursday 9 October, 10:00 – 12:00
• Thursday 16 October, 10:00 – 12:00
• Thursday 23 October, 10:00 – 12:00
• Wednesday 29 October, 10:00 – 12:00

Bury St Edmunds Library:

• Friday 3 October, 11:00 – 12:00
• Friday 10 October, 11:00 – 12:00
• Friday 17 October, 11:00 – 12:00
• Friday 24 October, 11:00 – 12:00
• Friday 31 October, 11:00 – 12:00

Hadleigh Library:

• Thursday 16 October, 11:00 – 13:00
• Thursday 23 October, 11:00 – 13:00
• Thursday 30 October, 11:00 – 13:00
• Thursday 6 November, 11:00 – 13:00

Kessingland Library:

• Friday 3 October, 12:00 – 14:00
• Friday 10 October, 12:00 – 14:00
• Friday 17 October, 12:00 – 14:00
• Friday 24 October, 12:00 – 14:00
• Friday 31 October, 12:00 – 14:00
• Friday 7 November, 12:00 – 14:00
• Friday 14 November, 12:00 – 14:00

Woodbridge Library:

• Tuesday 4 November, 12:30 – 14:30

Kedington Library:

• Tuesday 4 November, 11:00 – 13:00

Leiston Library:

TBC