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Mental Health Local Initiatives SELB - Bibliotherapy
Mental Health Local Initiatives SELB - Bibliotherapy
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Name of Group/Organisation
Southern Education and Library Board – Library Service
About our Project/Programme
Bibliotherapy. – a book prescription scheme encouraging people with mental health difficulties to ‘read themselves well’. This book prescribing scheme allows individuals with mild to moderate mental health problems easy access to a range of self help books and other information which can be extremely useful in helping them manage their own conditions. It may also be useful for individuals caring for those affected by mental health difficulties. The scheme is a partnership venture by Libraries, GPs and the Promoting Well-Being Team SHSCT. It operates by GPs and a range of professionals introducing a selection of ‘self help’ books to people or their families or friends experiencing psychological and/or emotional difficulties. People are encouraged to go to the participating libraries whrere they can access the books within the health section and librarians are on hand to help if required. The recommended titles have been specially selected to help and support people in dealing with their problems.
This pilot scheme was launched in February 2007 in Banbridge Library and was initially operating in the Banbridge, Dungannon and Kilkeel areas. Phase two of the scheme saw additional libraries participating in Brownlow, Newry, Fivemiletown and Crossmaglen and through an outreach service in Bessbrook. Plans are to have the scheme operating in all libraries in the southern area.
What difference did it make
After the pilot was evaluated some changes and additions were made to the scheme, eg prescriptions are no longer used. A synopsis of the books' content is now included in the packs and two enable greater involvement from users of the scheme a bookmark/evaluation is included when books are borrowed and filled on return.
It has helped promote Mental Health Awareness and we have found working in partnership with the Promoting Well-Being Team to be of great benefit. It has encouraged the borrowing of health-related materials and also raised awareness among library staff.
How do we plan to build on work in the future
• Roll out to other libraries
• Develop wider health initiatives
• Build and develop children’s aspect
• Look for other health related partners
• Develop and update booklists of relevant titles and resources e.g. fiction and websites
• Review training for staff
Contact details
Mrs Christina Sloan
Library Headquarters
1 Markethill Road,
ARMAGH
BT60 1NR
Tel: 028 3752 0740
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