DEVON Libraries announced early last week that they are launching a scheme to support young people who suffer from mental health issues, with expert endorsed books available to borrow for free.

At a time when one in ten young people suffer from a diagnosable mental illness, Devon Libraries new project, ‘Reading Well’, is a national scheme and is part of the hugely successful Reading Well Books on Prescription scheme.

This provides 13 to 18 year olds with information, support and advice on a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders and self-harm, as well as overwhelming life pressures, such as bullying and exams.

According to figures, the number of 15 and 16-year-olds reporting that they feel anxious or depressed has doubled in the last 30 years, meaning there is a great need for high-quality support and advice on mental health for young people. The Reading Well scheme enables young people to understand and manage their wellbeing and emotional resilience.

The books available under the scheme can be recommended by GPs, school nurses, counselors and other health professionals, as well as being free to borrow from the library. Reading Well offers a recommended reading list of 35 books, including a wide range of self-help and information titles, as well as memoir, graphic novels and fiction.