Portsmouth Library Service has launched a new scheme to support young people’s mental health, by offering expert endorsed books available to borrow for free.
“Shelf Help” is a national scheme which is part of the “Reading Well Books on Prescription” scheme.
It aims to provide 13- to18 year-olds with high-quality information, support and advice on a wide-range of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders and self-harm, as well as life pressures, including bullying and exams.
Library Services Manager at Portsmouth City Council, Lindy Elliott, said:
“Shelf Help is an important and very welcome addition to the health collections offered by the library service in Portsmouth.
“The collection is recommended by young people and health experts, so we are confident it will provide positive help for children and young people.”
Co-created with a panel of young people who have had experience of mental health issues, the new Shelf Help scheme helps young people to understand and manage their wellbeing and emotional resilience.
The books can be recommended by GPs, school nurses, counsellors and other health professionals as well as being free to borrow from the library.
Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors
Duncan Lewis is the UK’s largest provider of Legal Aid mental health services and can advise mental health patients on a wide range of issues – including access to NHS mental health services and detention under the Mental Health Act.
Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors regularly visit NHS hospitals and police stations to advise on mental health law – and are available nationwide at short notice for hospital and police station appointments.
In some cases, Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors may be able to advise the nearest relative or carer of a mental health patient on a range of issues, including initiating treatment reviews where appropriate.
For expert legal advice on mental health law, call the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors Helpline on 0333 772 0409.