A new partnership between Redland City Council, Redland Hospital and health professionals will see Redland Libraries support community health and wellbeing by loaning residents specific books prescribed to them by their doctor.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said that “Books on Prescription” initiatives have been delivered internationally with much success and is excited to see Redland Libraries implement a similar program in the local community.

“Words for Wellbeing provides alternative resources in the form of books and recommended websites to help people better understand and manage their health conditions,” Cr Williams said.

“Health professionals recommend patients a book on a Words for Wellbeing prescription flyer and talk to them about reading to improve their health condition knowledge and the patient can go down to their local library and access that book for free.”

“There is research that shows that self-help books in combination with support from their health professional can help people cope with common health conditions, including depression and anxiety,” she said.

Mayor Karen Williams said this is not the first time Redland City Council Libraries have invested in supporting the community’s health and wellbeing.

“Council’s Mobile Library and home delivery services also connect with community organisations such as nursing homes to make sure books are readily accessible by all members of the community,” Cr Williams said.

“Mandalay Retreat Care is one regular Library client who has welcomed book deliveries and have provided feedback about the books serving as ice-breakers for new residents, discussion topics for group social sessions and visual interest material for dementia unit residents,” she said.

Myhorizon’s CEO Joe Gamblin also values Council’s Mobile Library Service, which has attended events held at its new community centre, now open in Capalaba next to the Redlands IndigiScapes Centre.

“The Redland Library Mobile Service is a great community resource. We were pleased to have it visit and set up a display of its First 5 Forever early literacy program at Myhorizon’s Ian McDougall Centre during one of our recent open day events for our Early Intervention Service which supports families of children with disabilities,” Mr Gamblin said.

For more information about the Redland City Council’s Words for Wellbeing program visit www.redland.qld.gov.au or visit your local Redland Libraries branch.