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Books can help

Special collections at Medway Libraries

Photo of two people smilingOne in four people will experience some kind of mental health problem in the course of a year. Almost everyone experiences distress and emotional or psychological difficulties at some point in their life. Reading self-help books is one way of learning to cope or adjust. Working in partnership with NHS Medway (the Primary Care Trust), Medway Libraries have compiled a collection of these books on a range of subjects.

All of the books in this collection are available to borrow and can be reserved and collected from any Medway library. If the title you need is not available at your local library, it can be delivered to any Medway library of your choice. You can arrange this by contacting your local library or by using the online library catalogue.

The booklist

Go to our Books can help booklist, or download the list of self-help books (pdf 127KB). To use this file, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have it on your computer, please use our advice page.

Computer keyboardFor more information and support

A number of organisations operate in Medway to offer support, advice and advocacy services. An excellent place to start is live it well. The website has been designed as a source of information, help and guidance and is designed to promote wellbeing in Kent and Medway for all and to help people connect with their local communities.

Medway Council has a page with information for carers as does the Princess Royal Trust for Carers.

Information about a local group exploring mental health issues and the LGBTQ communities is available on the library's LGBTQ webpage.

Useful websites

  • The Samaritans provides confidential emotional support 24/7 to those experiencing despair, distress or suicidal feelings.
  • MOLE (Medway Organisations List for Everybody) has a list of local support groups and organisations.
  • Library links has a section devoted to mental health.
  • Mental health services is our guide to services available in Medway
  • Signpost Kent is the route to advice and help for people in Kent and Medway seeking information about mental health.
  • Living well in Medway is an information service for adults with low to moderate social care needs and their carers. This includes people with learning or physical disabilities and mental health difficulties.

For more information contact Chatham Community Hub by telephone: 01634 337799 or by email: chatham.library@medway.gov.uk

Write to: Chatham Community Hub, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TX

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