1. Our Good Health Reading, Health and Public Libraries CILIP October 2015 Debbie Hicks Creative Director, The Reading Agency

2. A world where everyone is a confident and enthusiastic reader Because everything changes when we read

4. Reading, Health and Libraries Evidence base for reading as a self–help, health and well- being tool: readingagency.org.uk/readingwell and readingagency.org.uk/news/media/reading-for-pleasure- builds-empathy-and-improves-wellbeing-research-from-the- reading-agency-finds.html Health information and learning Self–help book based cognitive behavioural therapy Mood Boosting novels and poetry Social reading Libraries: access and expertise

5. The Public Library Universal Health Offer The Public Library Universal Health Offer http://readingagency/about/health.html

6. The Public Library Health Offer Public library health assets Trusted community space Assisted digital access Out reach to vulnerable groups Health information and signposting National reading programmes Social reading and recreational activity Volunteering and engagement

7. Need and Solution 1:4 people suffering mental ill health in any year 6m people with anxiety and depression; three quarters not receiving treatment 800,000 people with dementia Less than half of people with dementia have a diagnosis Half a million dementia carers 850,000 children have diagnosed mental health problems in UK Averaging at 3 children in every classroom

8. Reading Well Books on Prescription Scheme Reading Well Books on Prescription Scheme Developed with and endorsed by leading health organisations Curated quality assured self-help reading lists helping people to understand and their mental health Using a referral and self referral model Universal- in nearly all (97%) of 152 English library authorities Signposted via NHS Choices

9. Reading Well Books on Prescription for Dementia People with dementia, carers and those worried about their memory Information and advice, practical support, personal stories, activities

10. Delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with SCL and ASCEL Delivered by local library services working with local partners Core book collections available via every library A national programme with economies of scale plus value of local delivery A Third Sector/Library Partnership

11. Core funding from Arts Council England New 2015 funding partnership with The Wellcome Trust Local funding/ commissioning partnerships particularly with Public Health Funding/Development Partners

12. Supported by the Department of Health and NHS England Endorsed and developed with national health partners Supported by voluntary sector mental health charities Signposted via NHS Choices- English public health web portal www.nhs.uk/www.nhs.uk/ Health Partnerships

13. New national partners supporting Reading Well Books on Prescription for dementia Opening up local partnership opportunities and strengthening existing links New Dementia Partners

14. Publisher Partnerships A powerful commercial and advocacy publisher partnership network Digital content for web site Channelling author involvement and advocacy Marketing support

15. Reading Well National Evidence Reach: 445,000 people Over 2 million leaflets distributed 100% increase in loans of common mental health conditions titles 346% increase in loans of dementia titles 6,500 prescribers using the scheme regularly Positive feedback on the scheme and the value of libraries’ health role 73% self referral rate Had some very positive reader feedback (GP)

16. User Impact Mental health 90% of users surveyed found books helpful for understanding more about their condition 85% more confident about managing symptoms 55% said that symptoms had improved Dementia 92% found the scheme helpful 79% said it helped them care for someone with dementia 73% said it improved understanding of the condition 67% said it increased their knowledge of sources of help and support

17. I’ve worried for so many years about why I get depression and anxiety but I’ve never had anyone really explain it to me before. The books have helped me so much in understanding things like what can bring on a panic attack, and why it makes me feel the way it does. Now if I’m having a bad day, I drop in the library and pick up a book Gill Taft, Service User Real Impact

18. I found it really useful to take the book home and work on it in my own time. The fact that it got me doing some of the exploration and understanding work made me feel as if I’d got some control back…I found myself looking forward to reading it, and went onto renew it for another three weeks. The library staff were wonderful. Whilst I was there, I mentioned I was in the Dark Ages with my computer skills. The librarian signed me up to lessons. Carol Speakman, Service User The Personal Story

20. Next Steps New scheme to support young people’s mental health New partnerships with Public Health England, Young Minds, Young People’s IAPT, Schools Nurses Association Planned schemes for long term conditions and healthy living Clinical research study New opportunities: older people’s reading challenge

21. Debbie Hicks Creative Director, The Reading Agency debbie.hicks@readingagency.org.uk debbie.hicks@readingagency.org.uk