Keith Heneghan
Healthy Reading Scheme launched in Mayo
By Keith Heneghan
16, Jan 2009 - 20:09

A Healthy Reading Scheme, designed to guide people in their choice of self-help books for common psychological and emotional difficulties, has recently been launched at the Mayo County Library.  The scheme is a joint initiative by the HSE in Mayo and Mayo County Library.

Photographed at the launch of a Healthy Reading Scheme at Mayo County Library, Castlebar were Ann Conway-Walsh, Le Cheile Family Resource Centre, and Cathal Kearney, Director, Family Centre. The scheme is a joint initiative by the HSE in Mayo and Mayo County Library. Photograph : Keith Heneghan / Phocus.

 
The focus of the scheme is on highlighting to the general public the availability of a wide variety of self-help books in their local library, which are there to help them to deal with common problems that they can encounter in their lives. These can include difficulties such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, stress, bereavement and a range of other psychological concerns.  The books can be used by people either on their own in dealing with particular problems, or can be used in tandem with professional help.

Christina Harman, Librarian at the launch of a Healthy Reading Scheme at Mayo County Library, Castlebar. The scheme is a joint initiative by the HSE in Mayo and Mayo County Library. Photograph : Keith Heneghan / Phocus.

 
Under the Healthy Reading Scheme, a list of books that have been recommended by health professionals has been drawn up and these books can be accessed, free of charge, from the local libraries in Mayo.  Two reading lists have been prepared – one for adults and one for parents of children.

Photographed at the launch of a Healthy Reading Scheme at Mayo County Library, Castlebar were from left to right, Clem McLoughlin, Occupational Therapy Manager; Phil Chambers, Senior Social Worker; Dr. Ann Cullen, Consultant Psychiatrist; Cllr Joe Mellett, Cathaoirleach, Mayo County Council; Cllr. Eugene McCormack; Dr. Meena O'Neill, Principal Psychologist; Austin Vaughan, County Librarian; Laurence Gaughan, Primary Care Development Officer; Cathal Kearney, Director, Family Centre; Paula Leavy-McCarthy, Exeutive Librarian, Mayo County Council; and Geraldine Rice, Senior Staff Nurse, Mayo Mental Health. The scheme is a joint initiative by the HSE in Mayo and Mayo County Library. Photograph : Keith Heneghan / Phocus.

 
Some of the issues on which books are available to parents and children include bullying, eating disorders, family separation, divorce, bereavement, self-esteem and exams. 

Photographed at the launch of a Healthy Reading Scheme at Mayo County Library, Castlebar. The scheme is a joint initiative by the HSE in Mayo and Mayo County Library. Photograph : Keith Heneghan / Phocus.

 
Dr. Meena O’Neill, Principal Psychologist with the HSE in Mayo, who launched the scheme, spoke of the importance of this type of assistance for people.  She said: 'Most people in the course of their lives, whether as individuals or parents, are faced with many emotional challenges.  Frequently people are unsure who to approach for help or may be unaware of the various forms of advice and help that are available.  The scheme provides access to a range of self-help materials, free of charge, through local libraries throughout the county.' 

Photographed at the launch of a Healthy Reading Scheme at Mayo County Library, Castlebar were Cllr. Paddy McGuinness and Cllr, Joe Mellett, Cathaoirleach, Mayo County Council. The scheme is a joint initiative by the HSE in Mayo and Mayo County Library. Photograph : Keith Heneghan / Phocus.

 
Dr. Meena O'Neill continued: 'At its present stage of development the scheme aims to assist two target audiences.  The first audience comprises people who wish to learn more about tackling common emotional and/or psychological difficulties in their own lives.  The second group consists of parents of children who wish to learn more about tackling common childhood and parenting difficulties.'  
 

Photographed at the launch of a Healthy Reading Scheme at Mayo County Library, Castlebar were from left to right, Laurence Gaughan, Primary Care Development Officer, HSE in Mayo; Cllr Joe Mellett, Cathaoirleach, Mayo County Council; Cllr. Eugene McCormack; Dr. Meena O'Neill, Principal Psychologist; Austin Vaughan, County Librarian; Anna Marie Dowling, Senior Psychologist; Cllr Michael McNamara; and Sinead Quinn, Psychologist. The scheme is a joint initiative by the HSE in Mayo and Mayo County Library. Photograph : Keith Heneghan / Phocus.

The information leaflets highlighting the scheme will be distributed throughout Co. Mayo in locations such as health centres, libraries and GP surgeries.  In addition, details of the scheme have been sent to all school principals in the county.  Copies of the information leaflet are also available on the website of Mayo County Library, telephone 094 9047925.