Reading Well - books to support your health and wellbeing

The Reading Well scheme is delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with Libraries Connected and Arts Council England.

Reading Well supports you to understand and manage your health and wellbeing using helpful reading. Reading Well books are all recommended by health experts, as well as people with lived experience of the conditions and topics covered and their relatives and carers.

Research has shown that books can work well either on their own or in conjunction with other forms of treatment and 91% of people surveyed found their book helpful.

Reading Well for Mental Health

Reading Well for mental health provides helpful information and support for managing common mental health conditions, or dealing with difficult feelings and experiences. Some books also include personal stories from people who are living with or caring for someone with mental health needs.

The books are available to borrow from St Helens Library Service. Selected titles are also available to borrow as e-books and audiobooks. via BorrowBox.

View the full list of books available through the scheme.

Reading Well for Dementia

Reading Well for dementia recommends helpful reading and digital resources for people living with dementia. There are also books for family, friends and carers. The booklist provides reliable information, advice and support as well as personal stories and age-appropriate books for children. 

The new booklist is targeted at people living with dementia, carers and family members including younger children to help them understand more about dementia. 

The books are available to borrow from St Helens Library Service. Selected titles are also available to borrow as e-books and audiobooks. via BorrowBox.

View the full list of books available through the dementia scheme.

Reading Well for Long Term Conditions

St Helens Library Service also offers the Reading Well for long-term conditions books. The book list covers general advice and information about living with a long-term condition such as arthritis, bowel conditions, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. 

Download the full list of books available through the long-term conditions scheme.

Reading Well for Children

Reading Well for children provides quality-assured information, stories and advice to support children's mental health and wellbeing. Books have been chosen and recommended by leading health professionals and co-produced with children and families.

The booklist is targeted 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.

The books are available to borrow from St Helens Library Service. Selected titles are also available to borrow as e-books and audiobooks. via BorrowBox.

Download the full list of books available through the Reading Well for Children scheme.

Reading Well for Teens

Reading Well for teens suggests recommended reading and digital resources to help you understand your feelings and boost your confidence. Teens and health and wellbeing experts have chosen the books to help you manage your emotions and cope with difficult times.

The booklist is targeted at teenagers (13-18) and includes a range of reading levels and formats to support less confident readers and encourage engagement.

The books are available to borrow from St Helens Library Service. Selected titles are also available to borrow as e-books and audiobooks. via BorrowBox.

Download the full list of books available through the young people's scheme.

How do I access the schemes?

Your GP or health professional may recommend a book for you or you can visit any library in St Helens and take out the books free of charge.