Reading Well Books on Prescription
Frequently Asked Questions
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- How does it work?
- What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?
- Is Reading Well Books on Prescription a new collection?
- Can I borrow the books even if I havent seen a health professional?
- Is the service confidential?
- What if the book doesn't help?
- Can I see the booklist?
- Do I have to be a member of the library to borrow the books?
- Where is my local library?
- Where can I found out more on Reading Well Books on Prescription?
How does it work?
Reading Well Books on Prescription aims to increase access to quality assured health information and advice to help people understand and manage common mental health conditions.
GPs can recommend self-help reading to people they might not yet refer to Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) services, or to use whilst waiting for treatment. Books can also be recommended by other health professionals including mental health nurses, counsellors and IAPT psychological well-being practitioners as part of treatment.
Reading Well Books on Prescription is not designed to replace existing care but to provide added value and guidance. It can be used as a stand-alone treatment, as complementary to a pharmacological/and or psychological approach and as a key element in a supported programme.
What is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy that can help people manage problems by changing the way they think and behave.
Is Reading Well Books on Prescription a new collection?
Yes, some of the titles are new but the Books on Prescription scheme has been around in libraries in Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire for some time. The new collection is the first national scheme in conjunction with the Reading Agency.
Can I borrow the books even if I havent seen a health professional?
Yes, anybody with a library card can borrow the books from libraries in Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire.
Is the service confidential?
Yes. Once you have your prescription, you can take it to the library or get someone else to take it for you. Think of the library staff as you would think of your local pharmacist - someone who can deliver what is prescribed with professional expertise and ethical practice.
They will not divulge any information about who is borrowing a book or what the book is about.
What if the book doesn't help?
We know that the books on the list often do prove useful, but they are not going to be effective for everyone. If you have really tried hard to use the book, but you find that your difficulty or distress persists then you will need to return to your GP (or to make further contact with the professional who prescribed the book) so that further advice can be obtained.
Can I see the booklist?
Yes, you can view the list of books on the Reading Well Books on Prescription site.
Do I have to be a member of the library to borrow the books?
Yes, but its easy to join if you are not a member and joining will allow you to use all the services and borrow other books, not just the Reading Well Books on Prescription titles.
Where is my local library?
You can find out the details of your local library, address, telephone number and opening times.
Where can I found out more on Reading Well Books on Prescription?
You can visit The Reading Agency website to find out more, or visit the Reading Agency Facebook page.
If you have any other questions please Contact Us.
Page last updated: 24th February 2014