Neighbourhood Services

LIBRARY, REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION SERVICES

Read Yourself Well

East Ayrshire Libraries in partnership with NHS Ayrshire and Arran and Choose Life have launched a Bibliotherapy Scheme - Read Yourself Well - in October 2005. This scheme employes a bibliotherapist to work with you to recommend books that will hopefully help you deal with the problems you are facing. In April 2007, the scheme was a finalist in the Libraries Change Lives Award which recognizes excellence and good practice for library and information services'.

What is bibliotherapy?
Bibliotherapy is the use of books to treat mild mental health problems. Many people - 1 in 4 Scots - will experience a mental health problem at some point in their life. Depression, panic attacks, low self-esteem, anxiety and stress are common mental health problems. Often, due to limited specialist resources, GPs will offer advice, prescribe medication or refer people on to a local voluntary agency. Medication has an important part to play and is often effective. However people can also be helped by reading appropriate "self-help" material. The use of books as a means of providing therapy is known as "bibliotherapy".

How does Read Yourself Well work?
Basically an appointment is made with the Bibliotherapist (either by the person themselves or via their GP) or through the Lifestyle Referral Scheme. The bibliotherapist will arrange a suitable time for you both to meet for a discussion and then recommend appropriate books. There will be one or two follow up sessions.

For an appointment contact the Bibliotherapist

Can books really help?
Yes, there is good evidence that books can help people. The books on the list have been especially choosen for their quality by healthcare professionals, carers and people who use our services.

What are the books about?
The books cover a wide range of subjects including anxiety, bereavement,depression, self-esteem and stress. They are practical, helpful books that you read at your own pace. Some are workbooks - such as Help yourself to Better Health - which give you a chance to write down your thoughts and work through practical exercises. Some are real life accounts of how others with similiar problems have coped.

Is it just books that you recommend?
No, we also have a large selection of leaflets and have also identified reputable websites.

Is the service confidential?
Yes, the Bibliotherapist will not divulge any information about you without your permission. At the Dick Institute, we also have a self-issue machine if you would rather not deal with library staff.

What if the book doesn't help?
We know the books on the list are useful. If you have tried the book and you do not find it useful you can get back in touch with the Bibliotherapist for an alternative. However some people find the books are not for them and you may need to get in touch with your GP for alternative help.

Do I need to be a member of East Ayrshire Libraries to use the service?
Yes, though if you are not a member it is simple to join. Once you have joined the library you will also be able to use the full range of library services.

Do you have to be referred to the Bibliotherapist to use the books?
No, you can look up the library catalogue for a suitable book if you would rather not talk to the Bibliotherapist. At the Dick Institute, we also have a self-issue machine which saves time.

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