Books on Prescription

 

Books on Prescription helps you to understand and manage your health and wellbeing using self-help reading.

Please see below for the different booklists we have.

How it works

The books are chosen by health experts and people living with the conditions covered. People can be recommended a title by a health professional, or they can visit their local library and take a book out for free.

Core booklist

The Books on Prescription scheme is a very effective way of helping people with common mild to moderate mental health problems. There are books to help you with:

  • Depression
  • Obsessions and compulsions
  • Stress
  • Panic
  • Anxiety and health anxiety
  • Binge eating/bulimia
  • Nervosa
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Phobias

They will give you advice, information and even set you tasks to do that aim to help you feel better.

Children, young people and families booklist

This list is aimed at children and young people of varying ages and their parents and carers. There are books to help you with:

  • Challenging behaviour
  • Anxiety
  • Low confidence
  • Bullying
  • Bereavement
  • Anger management
  • Coping with stress
  • Coping with family problems

They will give you advice, information and even set you tasks to do that aim to help you feel better.

Dementia booklist

The list of 25 books and 12 pictures to share may be useful to anyone who has dementia, is caring for someone with dementia, or would just like some more information on the condition. This scheme aims to:

  • Increase the knowledge and awareness of dementia
  • Offer practical advice about services
  • Provide support following diagnosis and early memory loss
  • Support carers practically, emotionally and mentally
  • Encourage people to remain independent and active
  • Enhance quality of care
Long term conditions booklist

This list of 28 books has been selected by medical experts, and those with lived-experience of long-term health conditions to help patients better understand and manage their symptoms. Conditions covered include:

  • Arthritis
  • Bowel conditions (IBS, Crohn’s disease)
  • Breathing difficulties (asthma, COPD)
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Pain management
  • Sleep problems
  • Support for relatives and carers
Who to contact

Related Organisations

Clicking any of the following will lead to an associated webpage.

Page last reviewed: 31/07/2023