Reading Well (formerly Books on Prescription)
Adults
Reading Well for Mental Health
Libraries have self-help books for people who are finding it difficult to cope or need advice on a specific emotional or mental health problem.
Topics for adults include:
- panic attacks
- depression
- phobias
- anxiety.
Reading Well for Mental Health
Reading Well for Long Term Conditions
Libraries have collections of books that provide information and support for people living with a long term health condition and their carers.
The booklist covers general advice and information about living with a long term condition, common symptoms and titles focused on specific conditions such as arthritis, bowel conditions, diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
Young people
Libraries have self-help books for young people and families who are finding it difficult to cope or need advice on a specific emotional or mental health problem.
Topics include:
- anxiety
- stress
- bullying
- school and exams
Children
Libraries have self-help books for children and their families who are finding it difficult to cope or need advice on a specific emotional or mental health problem. The collection is aimed at children in Key Stage 2 (aged 7-11), but includes titles aimed at a wide range of reading levels to support less confident readers, and to encourage children to read together with their siblings and carers.
Topics for children include:
- feelings
- worries
- the world around you
- dealing with tough times
Dementia
Libraries have self-help books for people who have dementia and are finding it difficult to cope or need advice about the condition.
Topics include:
- information about living with dementia
- support for relatives and carers
- personal stories.
Reserving self-help books
You can browse and reserve self-help books free of charge at your local library or by using our online catalogue.
If you’ve been given a ‘Books on Prescription’ recommendation leaflet by your GP, counsellor or mental health adviser, you can hand the recommendation leaflet to staff when you visit the library and ask them to reserve items for you.
Using self-help books
Try to set aside some time each day to work with your book. Having someone to work through it with you can help.
If the book includes exercises or questionnaires, please make a copy for your work. You can make photocopies at the library for a small charge.
These books might not be able to completely resolve your problems, so if feel you need more help contact your GP or mental health worker.
Health workers
GPs and mental health workers should contact us if you need more Books on Prescription publicity materials or the recommendation leaflets with prescription slips.