30 July 2025
A scheme that recommends helpful reading to support the mental health and wellbeing of families has been launched across public libraries.
Developed by the Reading Agency in partnership with Libraries Connected and the Society of Chief Librarians (SCL) Cymru, Reading Well for families recommends helpful reading to support the mental health and wellbeing of families during pregnancy and the early years of childhood.
Dr Paul Blenkiron, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) tutor in our Trust’s medical education team was recently invited to speak at the launch in the Thames Pavillion within the House of Commons.
Hosted by Maya Ellis, MP and chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Babies (pregnancy to age 2), the launch responds to an urgent need for accessible perinatal mental health resources.
The evidence-based book collection includes a range of recommended books and supporting digital resources to support parents and carers.
There is information and advice on topics such as parental wellbeing, perinatal mental health problems (including anxiety, depression, OCD and birth trauma) and coping with loss (including miscarriage, stillbirth and neonatal death); there are also personal stories, illustrated books and poetry.
Dr Blenkiron said: “The books were developed and chosen by a group of us that included very good user by experience involvement.
“This has succeeded in putting high quality books and self-help resources in almost every public library in England, free at the point of use to all who need them.
“I have been privileged to represent Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust and the Royal College of Psychiatrists for over 10 years on this scheme.”
Reading Well for families is part of the Reading Well Books on Prescription programme, which includes lists for mental health, children, teens and dementia to help people understand and manage their health and wellbeing.
Other Reading Well schemes available include Reading for mental health, Reading Well for teens, Reading Well for children and Reading Well for dementia.
Since the programme began, more than 3.9 million Reading Well books have been borrowed across England and Wales, supporting people in managing their health and wellbeing through the power of reading.
Look for the Reading Well for families books in your local library, they’re free to borrow.
Many titles are also available to borrow as eBooks and audiobooks. Find out how to join the library and access books, eBooks and audiobooks via your local library website.
