A LIBRARY scheme providing free books to residents battling mental health difficulties is proving a success across the county.

Oxfordshire County Council launched the Books on Prescription scheme across six of its libraries in June 2013 and a further six in April this year.

More than 1,000 residents suffering with mild to moderate mental health problems have borrowed the scheme’s self-help books.

County councillor Lorraine Lindsay-Gale said: “Books can inspire laughter and lift moods.

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“They can also provide good, timely advice by encouraging self-awareness and understanding of health and wellbeing issues, helping people develop their own strategies for coping with life.

“Here in Oxfordshire, as has been the case elsewhere in the country, this scheme has been successful.

“This illustrates how powerful books can be and how libraries are a trusted source of advice.”

The national scheme was first introduced in Oxford Central, Abingdon, Witney, Banbury, Didcot and Thame libraries.

Libraries in Bicester, Cowley, Wantage, Henley, Kidlington and Carterton then followed.

The scheme includes an approved list of books on mental health issues including anxiety, depression and stress.

Residents can borrow the books to read on their own or alongside the use of prescribed medication, counselling and therapy.

Health practitioners are also able to “prescribe” a book from the list.

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