SWINDON Libraries have joined a new scheme that will use reading to help the millions of people in England who suffer from conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Reading Well Books on Prescription will enable GPs and other health professionals to recommend 30 self-help titles for people to borrow from their local library.

Reading Well Books on Prescription is a joint initiative from independent charity The Reading Agency and the Society of Chief Librarians, working with local library services and LIFT Psychology Teams. It offers people self-help books from the library as part of cognitive behavioural therapy prescribed by a health professional.

Coun Keith Williams, cabinet member for highways, strategic transport and leisure who is also responsible for libraries, said: “I am pleased that we have signed up to this initiative as it will be of great benefit to our health partners and to the many people who suffer from common mental health issues.

“We have stocked up on the self-help titles and our staff will be on hand to help anyone who has been prescribed any of the Reading Well Books.”