Reading Well for Health & Wellbeing in Wales
Reading Well supports you to understand and manage your health and wellbeing using helpful reading available from public libraries. The books are all recommended by health experts, as well as people living with the conditions covered and their relatives and carers.
Where do I find the books?
• Go to your local library where you can borrow the book for free
• If the book is not available, you can reserve it
• Reading Well books have an extended loan period of 6 weeks. Books can be renewed if you’d like more time to read
There are currently four bilingual Reading Well schemes available in Wales:
Reading Well for dementia was launched in Wales in 2018 as part of the new Dementia Action Plan for Wales. The books provide information and advice for people living with dementia, support for living well, advice for relatives and carers, as well as fiction, memoir and photographic books used in reminiscence therapy. They are endorsed by health professionals and can all be found in the local library.
Reading Well for Mental health
Reading Well for mental health was launched in Wales in 2019. It 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 have been recommended by mental health professionals and people with experience of the conditions covered. The scheme is endorsed by health professionals and people with mental health needs.
Reading Well for children recommends reading to help you understand your feelings and cope with tough times. The books have been chosen by children, carers, health experts and librarians. You can read the books on your own or with others and talk about any thoughts and feelings that come up.
The new Reading Well for teens booklist was launched in England and Wales on 10th October 2022 on World Mental Health Day. Reading Well for teens supports the mental health and wellbeing of teenagers, providing helpful information, advice and support to help them better understand their feelings, handle difficult experiences and boost confidence.
The booklist is targeted at young people aged 13-18 and includes a range of reading levels and formats to support less confident readers and encourage engagement. Some of the recommended books suggest useful self-help techniques; there are also personal stories, graphic formats, and fiction. Alongside the books are a selection of quality assured age-appropriate digital resources. The books have been chosen by young people, leading health professionals and library staff.
The Welsh Government are supporting The Reading Agency and the Books Council of Wales to deliver Reading Well in all 22 library authorities in Wales bilingually in Welsh and English.
To find out more go to reading-well.org.uk/cymru
