Mental health book scheme hailed success

A READING initiative in Midlothian has been hailed a success.

The Healthy Reading Midlothian scheme aims to improve mental health and wellbeing and has provided more than 1600 "books on prescription" to readers across the county in the last year.

Aimed at improving the mental health and wellbeing of adults with mild to moderate mental health problems, the multi-agency initiative provides a self-help alternative to prescription drugs.

People can access recommended resources through local libraries and Health in Mind's Orchard Centre in Midlothian.

These resources – including books, audio books, DVDs and website addresses – offer an alternative to those with mild to moderate mental health problems who wish to help themselves, and aim to promote libraries as a source of information about wellbeing.

All members of the public are being encouraged to take advantage of the scheme.

Specific "healthy reading" areas have been created in libraries with access to relevant resources.