Prescribing books to help people with mental health problems in East Sussex has been so successful it is being rolled out across the country.

The scheme was launched in Hastings in 2006, rolled out across the county in 2009 and introduced for families and young people in 2011.

Councillor Chris Dowling, county council lead member for community services, said: “Books on prescription is not designed to replace existing care but can be a useful addition to pharmacological treatment or a first step to recovery for the millions of people who are suffering in silence at the moment.”

One in four people in East Sussex suffers from mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, phobias, panic attacks, eating disorders or sleeping problems at some point in their lifetime.

People can find out more by going online at www.eastsussex.gov.uk/selfhelpbooks calling 01273 335383 or asking their GP.