Prescribing books in a mental health service

By The Reading Agency

SUMMARY

The Reading Well Books on Prescription scheme was launched in June 2013 and provides self-help reading for adults based on cognitive behavioural therapy for a range of common mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, phobias and some eating disorders. This case study by The Reading Agency, describes how iCope - Islington Psychological Therapies and Wellbeing Service is working in partnership with Islington Libraries to run the scheme in Islington.

Libraries as open, social spaces
Alex has found the Reading Well resources helpful in prescribing the books: "What's really useful about the new Reading Agency list is that there's a ready-made prescription attached to the leaflet - all you have to do is tick the box, rather than write out the book's details, which is all time-saving. It's clear and well presented." Additionally, the link with local libraries means that the books are readily accessible: "It's about the library, which is an open, social space, and anyone can go into it."

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Resource type: Case studies | Published: 2014