LIBRARIES are helping people suffering from mental health conditions, by recommending books offering them support.

Basildon and Thurrock libraries have teamed up with NHS South West Essex for the self-help programme, aimed at patients with mild anxiety and depression.

With the support of their GP, they will be given access to a range of carefully selected books which will help them manage their condition.

Called Get Your Life Back, the initiative has already been successfully piloted across the north of the county.

Libraries taking part include Basildon, Billericay, Wickford, Fryerns, Laindon, Pitsea, Vange, Grays, Aveley, Belhus, Corringham, East Tilbury, Stanford-le-Hope and Tilbury.

Adrian Faiers, who is leading the project for NHS South West Essex, said: “We hope this scheme will provide welcome additional support for a range of mental health conditions.

“Instead of a GP prescribing drugs, we hope we can help people to understand and self-manage mild to moderate conditions using a range of practical titles selected by mental health specialists.

“We are also encouraging local GPs to become involved with the scheme and to recommend titles to patients.

“Otherwise, people can make their own choice from the collections available, with assistance from our library staff.”

David Finch, Essex county councillor responsible for adults, health and community wellbeing, said: “Our libraries have always stocked a wide range of books about a variety of health matters.

“They have worked hard to offer support in choosing the most appropriate books to suit the needs of individuals.

“We are pleased we can now provide excellent support for people struggling to cope with mental health problems, to”

The programme is being launched, at Basildon Library, in St Martin’s Square, on Mental Health Awareness Day, next Thursday, from 10am to 1pm.

Mental health organisations will be on hand to talk to people and answer questions.