Partner organisations from across the county got together to mark the launch of the Lanarkshire Healthy Reading Programme.
The programme will make it easier for people to access a whole range of mental health and well-being materials; from leaflets, books and CDs, to DVDs and web-based support.
The material can be accessed through visiting the library or referral from GPs and other services in the community.
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.
“I am more excited about the launch of this than of any prescription drug in the past decade.”
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.
At the launch each of the libraries also signed up to the ‘see me’ Anti-Stigma Pledge. By signing the Pledge the libraries have demonstrated their commitment to work with ‘see me’ in tackling the stigma and discrimination experienced by people with mental health problems.
Suzie Vestri, National Director of ‘see me’, Scotland’s national campaign to end the stigma and discrimination of mental ill-health,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.
“Working with the libraries will greatly support us to take the ‘see me’ message into the communities of Lanarkshire.”