Libraries expand mental healthcare provisions

10:51am Thursday 15th May 2008

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A THERAPEUTIC library service that offers help to people with mental health problems is to treble in size.

The Well Read scheme provides specially selected books, audio CDs and DVDs for people suffering mental wellbeing issues.

The books are intended to be self prescribed' by people when recognising a title in the Well Read collection that relates to their situation.

Previously only available in the county's six main libraries, the service is now available in 21 branches across Cumbria.

County Council cabinet member for community development and safety, Councillor Gary Strong, said: "This is a scheme for everybody, as nearly all of us at some time in our lives are touched either directly or indirectly by emotional wellbeing issues.

"Strengthening support for people in the areas of emotional wellbeing and mental health is a high priority for the county council. Through the Well Read scheme, people can find out more about how best to cope with feeling down or stressed," he added.

The Well Read collections are available in Alston, Appleby, Kirkby Stephen, Shap, Broughton, Dalton, Ambleside, Grange, Kendal, Ulverston and Windermere libraries.

For more information, see related link.