Libraries and GPs join forces to offer books on prescription

A national scheme offering ‘books on prescription' to people with mental health problems is to be rolled out across Devon.

Devon County Council has teamed up with leading independent charity The Reading Agency and the Society of Chief Librarians to help launch the Reading Well Books on Prescription scheme, which aims to use reading as a tool to help those who suffer from conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress, phobias and some eating disorders.

The new initiative, which is the first national books on prescription scheme for England, provides self-help reading as an early intervention treatment for a range of common mental health conditions and will enable GPs and other health professionals to recommend 30 self-help titles for people to borrow from their local library.

The books on the list provide helpful information and step-by-step self-help techniques, and all have been tried and tested and found to be useful.

Written by psychologists, psychiatrists and others who are experts in their field, they provide treatment and management techniques for adults based on cognitive behavioural therapy - a talking therapy that can help people manage problems by changing the way they think and behave.

The books have been recommended by experts and endorsed by well-known mental health organisations including the National Institute for Health and Care Excellent (NICE) guidelines, which recommends the approach for a range of common mental health disorders.

All 50 static libraries and eight mobile libraries across the Council’s network will have a set of the core list of 30 titles covering issues such as anxiety, depression, phobias, panic attacks, bulimia and sleep problems available to borrow, both on ‘prescription’ and open access.

The scheme is free to use and books can be loaned for up to three weeks. There is a free reservation facility of titles included on the list. It doesn’t matter if the patient isn’t a member of Devon Libraries either, as its free, quick and easy to join and no ID is needed. All library book loans and borrower details are treated as strictly confidential. The books are also available for everybody to borrow whether they have seen their GP or not.

The scheme is not designed to replace existing care, but to provide added value and guidance. It can be used as a standalone treatment, alongside medication and psychological approaches and as a key element in a supported therapeutic programme.

Councillor Roger Croad, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for libraries, said: “With one in four people suffering mental ill health each year, there is an enormous need for help understanding and managing common mental health conditions, so I am pleased that our library service is part of this valuable scheme aimed at increasing access to quality assured health information and advice.

“Unfortunately many people who suffer mental health problems, particularly those with depression or anxiety, are not currently receiving any treatment.

“Evidence shows that self-help books can really help people understand common mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety, and with the right resources many illnesses relating to mental health can be managed independently so there is no need for people to suffer in silence.

“Our libraries are at the very heart of our communities, and as part of our wider vision for the future we offer a good range of health and wellbeing related support and advice. Many people see their local library as a safe and trusted place to go for help with information about health problems, so we are perfectly placed to offer them the tools and information to start to help themselves, rather than waiting or having to rely solely on medical intervention.

“A library visit can be the first step on the road to recovery, so it is great news that we are able to offer this scheme across our entire network of both static and mobile libraries so as many people in Devon as possible will have access to these valuable resources.”

Councillor Andrea Davis, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:  “It’s now well documented that identifying and helping people with low level conditions such as anxiety and stress, can prevent what can become chronic long-term conditions like depression.  Depression often has a profound impact on many other areas of life, such as family, home and work.

“The Reading Well scheme means, where appropriate, health professionals can enable people to take charge of their own health without resorting to medication.  It also provides a valuable link between community hubs such as libraries and GP surgeries, which are increasingly working together to share the benefits of empowering people about their own health and wellbeing.”

Dr Niall Macleod, Devon's ambassador for the Reading Well scheme, said: “This scheme is something that is definitely achievable, and has been shown to work.  It makes it easy for patients to choose an alternative to medication, and could potentially reduce the demand on the NHS.”

Dr Sarah Wollaston, MP for Totnes, said: "I'm delighted to be at the launch of Reading Well. One in four of us will suffer with a mental illness at some time in our lives. I know that it can feel frightening and very isolating. Realising that others have been through the same difficulties and come through the other side can make a real difference. Libraries are a great place to find out about the many other community groups and activities which can help on the way to recovery."

Janene Cox, Society of Chief Librarians, and Debbie Hicks, The Reading Agency, said: “We’re excited to be working together to launch new services in libraries to help people suffering from mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. This is a step change in partnerships  between libraries and local heath partners to improve our communities’  health and well-being Evidence tells us that many people see the local library as a trusted place to go for health information. A library visit can be the first step on the road to recovery.”