Books on Prescription

Self help books that health professionals recommend

Tameside Libraries, Derbyshire Libraries  and Tameside and Glossop Primary Care Mental Health Service  have joined together to offer a Books on Prescription scheme via GPs and other health professionals. A list of 50 high quality self-help books 268.24 KB recommended by mental health practitioners has been created which will be used to help people with common mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.

What is ‘Books on Prescription’?

The Books on Prescription Scheme is a very effective way of helping people with common mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, phobias and eating disorders. GPs and other health professionals prescribe books from a list of high quality self-help manuals selected by experienced mental health practitioners.

How does it work?

You can exchange your ‘prescription’ for the recommended book at any Library within the Tameside and Glossop area (including Hadfield and Gamesley). If the book is not available you can reserve a copy free of charge and you will be notified when it becomes available.

How long can I have the book for?

The normal loan period for a book is three weeks. However the books taken out under the prescription scheme will be available for a loan period of six weeks. If you need the book beyond this time, it’s easy to renew it at the library, by phone or over the Internet at the library web site. All recommended titles should be available for purchase through bookshops, should you wish to buy your own copy.

Can books really help?

Yes, they can. There is first class clinical evidence to show that books can be just as effective as other forms of therapy – and with the advantage of having no side effects. Books can work well either on their own or used in conjunction with other forms of treatment. Your doctor will advise. Of course the more you put into following the guidance given, the better the result is likely to be.

Using the Books

Some of the books on the scheme may provide worksheets for you to fill in. Please photocopy the relevant sections and do not write in the books directly. There are photocopying facilities provided in most libraries for a small price. Ask your library staff if you are unsure how to do this.

Do I have to be a member of the library to use this service?

Yes, you need to be a member of the library to borrow books. If you are not already a member, simply bring your prescription to the library and you can join straight away. There is no joining fee and the libraries do not require any forms of identification.

Is the service confidential?

Borrower details and book loans are strictly confidential information. Your prescription will be treated with respect and discretion by library staff.  You are always welcome to have someone else pick up your book prescription for you, if you prefer.

What if the book doesn’t help?

If you find that the particular book you’ve been prescribed is not helping, go back to your doctor and seek further advice. It may well be that you’ll get on better with an alternative title from the list, or else your doctor may decide that your condition will require a different approach. Some of the books particularly those relating to traumatic events may provoke a strong reaction. If you feel the material is causing distress please discuss this with your GP or other health professional.

Your feedback

Your feedback is important and would help to evaluate the scheme as a whole as well as determine which books are available. When you receive your prescription the GP or health professional will retain a copy of your details and ask whether you wish to be contacted to give your feedback on the scheme and the book prescribed. Your feedback is important and would help to evaluate the scheme as a whole as well as determine which books are available.  When you borrow the book from the library you will also be handed a review card.  Please fill it in and bring it back when you return the book.  Your comments are strictly confidential.