Mental Health support books added to Hackney’s libraries
Every year, one in four people experience a mental health problem. Now, residents can access free support in your library thanks to the Read Well campaign launching nationally this week.
The Reading Well for mental health titles by The Reading Agency and Society of Chief Librarians and are now available in Hackney’s Central and Dalston CLR James Libraries. The 37 books on offer are accredited by healthcare professionals and range from picture books to biographies.
Each title offers support to people with mental health needs and their carers, who are at increased risk of loneliness according to recent research. All of the books available will help people read well to stay well, and are penned by bestselling and highly-regarded authors including Matt Haig (How to Stay Alive); Cathy Rentzenbrink (A Manual for Heartache); Sathnam Sanghera (The Boy with the Topknot); Ruby Wax (A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled) and many more. The reads are available for free at Hackney Central Library and Dalston Library as well as in other participating libraries across England.
The list is curated with mental health experts and includes books to support people undergoing talking therapies, as well as guided and unguided self-help.
Hackney's libraries play a vital role in improving the health of local residents. The Reading Well scheme helps bring together expertise from the health sector into the safe space of the library, helping anyone readily access free and trusted information.
Ask your library for more information or visit reading-well.org.uk