A grant of $71,000 will start an innovative program called Books on Prescription to help people with common mental health disorders as well as their families, friends and employers in the Central West. Public Libraries NSW Country, Central West Zone (PLC CWZ) has been successful in its 2010/11 Library Development Grants Application for its Books on Prescription program. Central West Libraries Manager Jan Richards said they were thrilled to be able to bring Books on Prescription to communities in the Central West. Books on Prescription is a highly effective way of helping people with common mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, phobias and eating disorders. There is first class clinical evidence to show that books can be just as effective as other forms of therapy. In partnership with CWZ Libraries, GPs and other health professionals will prescribe books from a list of high quality, self-help manuals selected by experienced mental health practitioners.
This project will be developed in partnership with the Greater Western Area Health Service (GWAHS) whose footprint matches the CWZ, the relevant Divisions of General Practice and other health providers. Congratulations to all involved!