A PROJECT to lend books to people with long-term health conditions has started in Wokingham Borough Libraries.

The National Reading Well scheme gives people living with long-term conditions and their carers free to borrow information books, offering expert support and advice on a range of topics such as diabetes, strokes and heart disease, fatigue, pain, well-being and sleep problems.

It is estimated that 26 million people in England are living with a long term condition yet spend on average just four hours a year with a health professional, and 8,756 more self-managing.

This current reading list of 28 books is being delivered in public libraries by The Reading Agency in partnership with the Society of Chief Librarians.

Funded by the Arts Council England and the Welcome Trust, it is supported by many health organisations including Public Health England, Health Education England, Self Management UK and The Richmond Group of Charities.

Executive member for environment, sports, leisure and libraries Councillor Norman Jorgensen said: “It’s great our borough libraries are participating in this scheme to offer information and practical support to residents who are living with long term health conditions.”