Book prescription Wales

The scheme helps people access information, guidance and tips on ways to self-manage their conditions. New books available on prescription include ones dealing with dementia, eating disorders and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Why prescribe books?

Self-help books can help people gain control of their emotions and actions. This can help people maintain personal relationships and their normal routines, such as employment, and therefore help support recovery.

Most of the books offer complete step-by-step treatment programmes, including exercises, self-assessments and diary sheets.

Research has shown the effectiveness of high quality self-help books. A Department of Health review concluded that methods of self-help have a high potential for treating common mental health problems.

The National Institute for Health & Clinical Excellence (NICE) Guidelines on Eating Disorders and Anxiety Disorders have recommended self-help books as an effective part of treatment.

How does it work?

General practitioners (GPs), practice counsellors and members of community mental health teams can issue prescriptions for self-help books.  The books have been carefully selected by health professionals and are available at every local library across Wales. They can be borrowed free of charge and cover topics including:

• Anger
• Anxiety
• Assertiveness
• Bereavement
• Compulsive disorders
• Depression
• Dementia
• Eating disorders
• Low self-esteem
• Panic
• Sexual abuse (adult survivors)
• Stress
• Trauma
• Worry

We provide funding of the scheme and work in partnership with Local Health Boards and the Library Service. To improve accessibility, the most popular books are also available on audio Compact Disc (CD) and in Welsh on CD.

Self-help websites

Also available through the scheme are interactive self-help websites available which can be accessed free of charge at your local library:

• Blue Pages

Blue Pages provides information on treatments for depression based on the latest scientific evidence.

• E-Couch

E-couch is a self-help interactive programme with modules including depression, anxiety and worry.

• Glasgow steps

Provides useful information and tools for self-help and self-assessment.

• Living life to the full

Helping you to help yourself.

• Mood gym

Learn cognitive behaviour therapy skills for preventing and coping with depression.

External websites

NHS Direct  - book prescription

Well-being through work

Library Wales