05 February 2019
This week, Jersey Library will launch a new set of books to help islanders manage their mental health and wellbeing. Part of a national initiative, Reading Well for Mental Health, the books will be introduced on Time to Talk Day, a day dedicated to promoting conversations about mental health. Representatives from Mind Jersey will also be at the library on the day, Thursday 7 February, to chat to islanders about mental health and the support available to them.
The books, endorsed by health experts, are available both on prescription from GPs and without prescription to registered library users. They provide practical advice to help people understand and manage common mental health issues, or deal with difficult feelings and experiences.
James Le Feuvre, of Mind Jersey, explained that the charity is pleased to be able to work with the library. He said: “Mind Jersey welcomes the very positive approach that the Jersey Library continues to take in promoting easy access to an impressive range of materials that have been designed to support islanders in better understanding and managing their own mental health. This service is an excellent example of partnership working and we are very happy to continue supporting this initiative.”
Ed Jewell, Chief Librarian at Jersey Library, said: “Jersey Library is proud to extend its health offer for library users, reinforcing our commitment to providing quality-assured book-based support. We have offered a Books on Prescription scheme since 2004, but we have updated and expanded it in recent years to fit with the health offer of a modern library service. The Reading Well for mental health books are a significant part of that. They will be available for anyone to borrow, and they may also be recommended by health professionals to support treatment.”
The books will be available at the Jersey Library for anyone to borrow from Thursday 7 February. Mind Jersey representatives will also be there from 12pm until 1.30pm on the launch day.
As well as the Reading Well for mental health books, the library also offers Reading Well books on prescription for dementia and other long-term conditions. Shelf Help, the Reading Well collection for young people is also available, providing mental health and wellbeing information for younger islanders.
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