The Healthy Reading Programme has been developed to make it easier to access mental health and well-being leaflets, books, CDs, DVDs and web-based support. All 50 libraries across Lanarkshire have resources which are aimed at helping people get the most from life such as living life to the full, sleeping better and becoming more confidence and assertive. Healthy reading can be helpful for people to overcome and cope with mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, stress, dementia and panic. There are also resources for all ages including supporting young people, adults and older people as well as items on positive parenting.
The programme has been developed because healthy reading increases the availability of support, information and self-help which can improve mental health and well-being for many people.
A briefing paper including the referral pathway can be download here.
A full list of resources that can be accessed through the Healthy Reading Programme and a list of libraries are listed below:
Self-help resources that you can order:
A range of resources have been published for you to hand to clients at the point of contact. These can be ordered by e-mailing fiona.ingram@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk. Stress and depression are the most common mental health problems, we have published hard copies of these self-help leaflets for distribution. Thirteen other topics can been downloaded from elament's self-help page as required. A double sided wallet card promoting elament and telephone support and a concertina card providing 10 tips to staying mentally healthy has also been produced. A wide range of mental health and wellbeing related leaflets are also available via the NHS Lanarkshire Health Promotion Library.
Mind Listen: an audio cd to support mental health & well-being through self-help:
Increasingly people are listening to talking books. We also know that many people have difficulty with reading. We also understand that a number of people who have moved to Lanarkshire can understand spoken english but not written english. With this in mind a CD with a self-help insert booklet has been produced in Lanarkshire with advice on how to stay mentally healthy, overcome and cope with stress, low mood, bereavement, sleep and includes relaxation exercises. This will be available from every Lanarkshire library as part of the Healthy Reading Programme and is available to download from the Self Help section.
The Healthy Reading Programme was equality and diversity impact assessed. A copy of the report can be found here.