People with mental health problems receive help through books

A BOOK scheme has been launched to help people with mental health issues.

Hillingdon Council has teamed up with Hillingdon PCT to launch the Better with Books scheme which aims to help residents with mild to moderate mental health issues.

The scheme offers General Practitioners (GPs) the opportunity to prescribe self-help guides, available from the borough's libraries, to their patients.

Many people are reluctant to use medication for emotional problems and the project was put together to offer an alternative treatment for people where medication would usually be the only form of help available.

The scheme is based on 40 books which have been chosen by clinical psychologists and cover subjects such as depression, anxiety, phobias, eating disorders and stress.

The scheme was launched at Mountwood Surgery, in Rickmansworth Road, Northwood, in partnership with Northwood Hills and Oaklands Gate libraries and after the initial pilot it will be rolled out across the borough.

Dr Sabby Kant, a GP at the Mountwood Surgery, said: "Mental health problems can have a huge impact both on the sufferer as well as their close family and friends.

"Although medicines can play a key part, there is no doubt in my mind that what works best is tackling the problem through a variety of strategies such as family support, counselling and other talking therapies.

"The Better with Books scheme adds another powerful strategy for the sufferer and their family. I am hoping that for many it will open up a whole new world of increased knowledge, confidence and self-empowerment."

Councillor Philip Corthorne, cabinet member for adult social care, health and housing, said: "It is hoped that by referring patients to books, residents will be able to begin to understand their thoughts and make sense of their problems at their own pace rather than having to rely on medication."