HEREFORDSHIRE'S provider of mental health services has teamed up with the county's libraries to back a national initiative aimed at helping people to understand common mental health problems.

And they are working together to make sure self-help books are easily accessible to all.

The Books on Prescription scheme includes a number of books which provide guidance for people with stress, anxiety and depression.

The reading list is recommended by Herefordshire’s local NHS including therapists working within 2gether’s Let’s Talk Improving Access to Psychological Therapy (IAPT) service, as well as family GPs and other health professionals including psychologists and psychiatrists.

All of Herefordshire’s public libraries stock the books.

The recommended books in the library will be highlighted on posters across the county and more easily identified by a sticker on the relevant front cover.

The stickers include details on how to contact Let’s Talk, the county’s local NHS talking therapy service, for people who may need additional support.

Anne-Marie Dossett, librarian at Hereford library, added: "The Books on Prescription scheme has been going for some years and we get many positive comments about how informative and helpful the books can be. We have also expanded the collection to include books about dementia at Hereford Ross and Leominster libraries”.

Elaine Davies, clinical lead for 2gether’s Let’s Talk service, said in addition to the free courses and help provided by the trust, recommended books can help to provide additional guidance and support to help manage low mood and anxiety.

More details about the books on prescription scheme can be found at herefordshire.gov.uk/bop

Let’s Talk can be contacted by telephone on 0800 073 2200 or by visiting the course booking website at 2gether.nhs.uk/feelbetter