Empowering people to manage their own mental wellbeing
From L-R: Sheree Menzies (IT and Resource Coordinator, Mental Health Education and Resource Centre); Katie Brown (Health Promotion Specialist, Pegasus Health); Elaine Sides (Team Leader - Selection and Access, Christchurch City Libraries); and Jane Keenan (Librarian - Selection and Access, Christchurch City Libraries) at the Linwood Library.
Cantabrians are set to benefit from a new scheme featuring recommended books to help people better manage their mental health and wellbeing.
The ‘Reading in Mind’ book scheme has been developed by Pegasus Health, Christchurch City Libraries (CCL) and the Mental Health Education and Resource Centre (MHERC).
People will be able to browse a list of books on the Reading in Mind website (readinginmind.org.nz) and then borrow them from CCL or MHERC. The list features books that have been recommended by mental health professionals, service providers and organisations, as well as the Mental Health Foundation, CCL and MHERC.
Katie Brown, Pegasus Health’s Health Promotion Specialist, says the scheme will be available to people of all ages and backgrounds who are experiencing mild to moderate mental health issues. It is also for people who want to support family or friends experiencing mental health issues.
The books cover topics such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and worry. It also includes books for children and young people.
“Reading in Mind supports health care and community service providers by giving them another resource to offer their patients and clients,” Katie says.
The book list will be reviewed and updated annually, and will take into account any feedback from readers.
Katie says people are encouraged to visit their local library and check out the books and other support available at MHERC. “Reading in Mind can also encourage people to talk about their mental health and wellbeing with their GP or community health service provider.”
The book scheme is being promoted in several ways, including through General Practices, hospitals and libraries.