The 'Read Yourself Well' project is a joint scheme run by North Lincolnshire Council, the Primary Care Trust, and Poeisis. It is also part of the Healthy Living Project in Barton.
It's a simple idea that has already worked in other parts of the country, such as Norfolk and Plymouth. Doctors and mental health workers will 'prescribe' a book to people who consult them about a common mental health problem, if they think it is appropriate. The book will help the patient address their own problem. These health problems may include anxiety, eating disorders and depression.
People who have been issued with a book prescription can take it to their local North Lincolnshire library, where staff will issue them with the book. Collections of the books are based in the Central Library, Ashby, Barton, Brigg, Crowle, Epworth and Riddings libraries. You may go to another North Lincolnshire library to pick up a book, but it may not be available immediately. In these cases you will have to wait a few days for the book to be sent.
You will need a library ticket to borrow books. We can give you a ticket if you don't already have one.This is quite simple as any person aged 16 or over may join straight away without proof of ID. Readers can obtain a full ticket when they bring in ID showing their address (on their next visit to the library, if required). They can also use their ticket to access a range of other services such as all lending books, CDs and use of IT in the library. Readers will be prescribed books from a list of eight. Some of these books are also available to buy from the libraries if they prefer.
You don't have to be 'prescribed' one of the books to read it, however, as anyone can take the books out.
Research has already shown that projects like this have many advantages over other treatments. Benefits include:
- no side effects
- ease of use
- quicker results than some drugs
- a greater sense of self-control for patients.
The Primary Care Trust also run 'Read Yourself Well' drop-in sessions at North Lincolnshire Central Library most Tuesdays (9.30am to 4.30pm). Mental health workers will be available to answer questions and provide self help books, materials and IT. You can expect a confidential and supportive environment.
For further details please contact Janet Stopper on 01724 860161 or email library.enquiries@northlincs.gov.uk.
For more information about the Primary Care Trust visit the North Lincolnshire Primary Care Trust website.
For further information on mental health visit the North Lincolnshire Mental Health website.