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Reading for mental health at your local library

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Lancashire libraries are taking part in a national scheme to help adults living with mental health conditions to improve their health and wellbeing through self-help reading.

Launched today, (Tuesday 5 June), the Reading Well for Mental Health booklist will support common mental health conditions.

Developed from the successful Reading Well Books on Prescription scheme, in collaboration with leading health organisations and people living with health conditions and their carers, the books compliment the lists already available in Lancashire.

These include the original Books on Prescription, Reading Well for young people called ‘Shelf Help’, Reading Well for Dementia and Reading Well for Long Term Conditions. The books are all endorsed by health professionals and are an excellent way to help yourself to stay well or improve your health.

Under this scheme, self-help books will be available in all Lancashire libraries. All of these recommended titles provide adults with advice, information and support to help them to understand and manage the physical and mental symptoms of living with conditions.

The books can be recommended by GPs and other health professionals.

Alternatively people can simply find the books in the health section of their local library or search the online catalogue, if you know the title or author.

County Councillor Peter Buckley, Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for community and cultural services, said: “I’m pleased that Lancashire is part of this national initiative. Since the scheme launched in 2013, the adult mental health collection has been such a popular resource that the booklist has been updated for 2018, to ensure that library mental health and wellbeing collections continue to contain the most quality-assured, evidence-based health information possible.

“This is an extension of a tried-and-tested programme, which is a great way of delivering community-based help and support for people living with mental health conditions, and importantly their family and carers too.

“The very best books available that support good mental health and wellbeing have been selected for this list. Titles range from popular memoir to classics that health professionals turn to every day. This list cements the significant and important role libraries have in providing health literacy and information to the public.”

“It’s good to know that recommended information is available to help people to manage their symptoms and get on with their lives.

“Readers will also be pleased to know that all of the books are recognised by health professionals and meet National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.”

Reading Well for mental health conditions is organised nationally by The Reading Agency and the Society of Chief Librarians, and is funded by Arts Council England and the Wellcome Trust.

More information about Reading Well Books on Prescription is available at www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries-and-archives/libraries/reading-for-health

Anyone who lives in the UK can join a Lancashire library, either online or by visiting in person. It’s free and there are no age restrictions.

For more information, go to www.lancashire.gov.uk/libraries

Alternatively call 0300 123 6703.

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