Get better with books - on ‘prescription’!

07 May, 2010

The Better with Books service is ran in partnership with the Primary Psychological & Wellbeing Services Team at City Health Care Partnership (NHS Hull’s Provider Services) and Hull Libraries. The carefully selected books will educate the reader about mental health, the symptoms and positive wellbeing.

Throughout our lives it is estimated that one in four of us with suffer from mental health issues within the course of a year, this maybe depression, bereavement, stress or feeling anxious. The Better with Books scheme helps those with library access, by using self-help books to educate and provide an understanding of the symptoms and behaviours associated with a selection mental health problems. The books vary and include many areas, from inspirational fiction to ‘feel good’ biographies.

Better with Books is a form of bibliotherapy or book therapy as it is commonly known, and was first documented in 300BC as it is believed that reading can be part of the healing experience, as well as making us emotionally and physically stronger. It has become more popular in the UK since hospitalised World War ll soldiers recognised that reading was healing and helpful while recuperating.

Primary Care Mental Health Worker, Caroline Pearson comments:

“The Better with Books scheme has really taken off across the city over the past 4 years. With such enthusiasm for the scheme we swiftly had to get it up and running at 12 libraries, and we were thrilled to get the library resources at Hull Prison on board.’

When using the scheme you will be able to choose your own books from variety of carefully selected titles chosen by the Primary Psychological & Wellbeing Services Team.

If you would like to find out more about the Better with Books scheme please contact Caroline Pearson on 01482 344 643 or email caroline.pearson@chcphull.nhs.uk