January 28th marked the launch of the Lanarkshire Healthy Reading Programme, which makes it easier to access mental health and well-being leaflets, books, CDs, DVDs and web-based support, through visiting the library or referral from GPs and other services in the community. All 50 libraries across Lanarkshire now have resources aimed at helping people get the most from life such as living life to the full, sleeping better and becoming more confident and assertive. Healthy reading can be helpful for people to overcome and cope with mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, stress, dementia, eating disorders, bereavement and panic. There are also resources for all ages including supporting young people, adults and older people as well as items on positive parenting. As part of the programme Lanarkshire’s Mental Health and Well-being Website will also be re-launched, with a full range of self-help materials for everyone to use. It also includes an improved service directory with maps built in to help people access services more easily. In addition, a self-help CD called “Mind to Listen” has also been produced, with advice on stress, low mood, bereavement, sleep and includes relaxation exercises. This is available from every library or can be downloaded from ‘elament’ www.lanarkshirementalhealth.org.uk
Visit the Healthy Reading Page on Elament.
Dr Chris Mackintosh, Associate Medical Director, South Lanarkshire Community Health Partnership, NHS Lanarkshire said, “There is no one solution for an individual’s mental health problem, but this resource gives GPs and others an additional - and I believe very potent- way of helping people. It is also an opportunity to be in contact with a different community and that in itself can be part of healing. I am more excited about the launch of this than of any prescription drug in the past decade.”
Colin Sloey, Executive Director for Mental Health Services, NHS Lanarkshire said “With 1 in 4 people experiencing mental health problems in Lanarkshire we need to increase mental health awareness and increase access to information, self-help and support. NHS Lanarkshire is extremely grateful to North and South Lanarkshire Councils’ Library Services for working in partnership with us to increase access to mental health and well-being support. This programme has been developed because research shows us that increasing the availability of support, information and self-help is effective in improving mental health and well-being. I would personally like to thank all involved for making this programme a reality.”
Councillor James Logue, Convenor of Learning and Leisure, North Lanarkshire Council added, “North Lanarkshire Council is delighted to support this programme. With a library in most communities, this programme means that access to mental health and well-being information and self-help is made easier. The public will be able to borrow or use any of the resources in the same way as any other resources and they are available free of charge. The library computers can also be used to access web based self-help programmes. As well as this, people will be referred to the library by their GP or other health or social care professional to borrow or use resources as part of their treatment.”
Councillor Mary Smith, Chair of the Education Resources Committee, South Lanarkshire Council added, “As part of our commitment to this programme, all library staff will be receiving mental health awareness training. This will support staff to give a warm and friendly welcome and help people to find and use the resources that they are looking for. We can all feel stressed, angry or at a low point at some stage in life. These resources are there for us to increase our understanding of mental health and well-being and learn practical skills which will help us all overcome problems and enjoy better mental health.”
Duncan Mackay, Head of Social Work Development added, “North Lanarkshire Council Social Work is proud to be part of the Healthy Reading Programme. Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health problems in Scotland. This programme promises to be an effective method of directly promoting good mental health in the local community, combating depression as well as other mental health issues in Lanarkshire.”
Jim Wilson, Head of Adult and Older People Services added, “The Healthy Reading Programme has been a positive achievement for South Lanarkshire Council and its planning partners in promoting good mental health and wellbeing in Lanarkshire. The fact that the programme includes a range of self help resources for all ages in a variety of formats which are readily accessible within local communities should assist in tackling the stigma of mental ill health and in striving towards a mentally flourishing Lanarkshire.”
As a further demonstration of their commitment North and South Lanarkshire Council Library Services also signed the ‘see me’ anti-stigma pledge, committing to do what they can to end the stigma and discrimination experienced by people who have mental health problems.
Suzie Vestri, National Director of ‘see me’ said, “People with mental health problem are at risk of stigma and discrimination due to negative public attitudes and this stops people seeking help and makes their recovery more difficult. Each of us has the ability to change that, because for people with a mental health problem, what you do makes a difference. Be there. Be yourself”. Working with the libraries will greatly support us to take the ‘see me’ message into the communities of Lanarkshire. For tips on how you can support someone with a mental health problem, please visit the homepage of the ‘see me’ website www.seemescotland.org
For further information on mental health in Lanarkshire and a list of all the resources that are available visit: www.lanarkshirementalhealth.org.uk
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health problem, please speak to your GP. The following organisations will also be delighted to help.
· Breathing Space - 0800 83 85 87 (evenings & weekends) www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk
· Samaritans - 08457 90 90 90 / 01698 429 411 (24hrs) www.samaritans.org
· Childline - 0800 1111 www.childline.org.uk
· Parent Line - 0808 800 2222 www.children1st.org.uk/parentline
· The National Debt Line - 0808 808 4000 www.nationaldebtline.co.uk
· North Lanarkshire Mental Health Information Line - 0800 073 0918 (North Lanarkshire Only)