What are the Wellbeing Collections?
The Wellbeing Collections are a range of good quality books
and other resources which can help people understand and cope with
common life challenges, situations and mental health
problems. The Family and Children's and Adult Wellbeing
Collections are available in all Kensington and Chelsea
libraries.
Adult Wellbeing Collection
Which topics does the Adult Wellbeing Collection cover?
- anger
- anxiety and phobias
- assertiveness
- bereavement
- depression
- eating disorders
- head injuries
- mood swings
- obsessive-compulsive disorder
- obsessive-compulsive gambling
- post-traumatic stress disorder
- self-esteem
- social anxiety and shyness
- stress, panic or worry
- wellbeing, wellness, mood-improvement and relaxation
How were the books chosen?
The Adult Wellbeing Collection booklist is based on the original
'Books on Prescription' scheme which began in Wales. Professor Neil
Frude, a Consultant Clinical Psychologist, consulted with other
health care professionals and compiled a list of quality self-help
books that were considered suitable to recommend to people with
mild to moderate mental health issues.
The list has been expanded and books have been added based on
recommendations by health professionals.
How do I use the Wellbeing Collection?
You can either choose a book yourself using the Adult Wellbeing
Collection booklist or a health professional can recommend one for
you from the Wellbeing Collection booklist. The booklist is
available at all libraries or you can view the booklist here:
What do I do if I have been recommended a Wellbeing Collection
book?
Visit any library in the Borough and borrow the recommended
book.
Can I use this service even if I am not a library member?
Yes, when you go to the library to collect your book you can
join quickly and easily. We will ask you to complete a short
library membership form and provide one form of identification
(such as a drivers licence or bank card). If you need assistance to
complete the form or find a book, the library staff will be
available to help you.
How long can I borrow a book for?
A book can be borrowed for 3 weeks and renewed a further 4
times.
What if the book is unavailable?
If the book you want is out on loan then a copy will be reserved
for you free of charge and the library will let you know when it
arrives.
Is the service confidential?
Yes, library staff will not divulge any information about who
borrowed the book or what the book is about. There is no need to
talk to library staff about why you are joining the library if you
do not wish to.
How will the book help me?
The Adult Wellbeing Collection books often use a cognitive
behavioural therapy (CBT) approach. Psychological symptoms can be
related to the interaction of a person's thoughts, behaviours and
emotions. The books assist people to understand their conditions
and raise awareness of options available to people to manage their
health. They contain practical exercises that help people to modify
their thoughts and behaviours, which may be prolonging symptoms.
Importantly, people find it is reassuring to know they are not
alone and others have had similar experiences.
What if the book doesn't help?
Many people find the books effective and helpful but not
everyone will be helped in this way. If you have tried to use a
book but find your difficulty or distress continues you should
contact your GP or health professional for further advice.
How can I tell you what I think of the scheme or the book I
borrowed?
We really want to hear from you about your experience with the
book you borrow, as this will help us to provide a better service.
When you borrow one of these books, a postcard with a short
questionnaire is available for your comments. Please fill it in and
hand it in at the library when you return the book, or post it to
us using the freepost address stamped on the postcard. Or you can
contact us by email at: bibliotherapy@rbkc.gov.uk
or tel: 020 7341 0729.
Family and Children’s Wellbeing Collection
Parenting is a difficult job and every family has questions and
challenges from time to time. When children are experiencing
difficulties in their daily lives, reading about characters with
similar problems can help them to cope.
Sharing books or stories with children that reflect difficult
experiences or feelings they may face can be helpful for several
reasons:
- Stories can be a way of introducing and talking about difficult
subjects in a natural, safe way
- Stories can put things into words that enable a child to make
sense of their own life situation and experiences
- Stories can put experiences and feelings at a distance which
can make it easier to think about things and removes the focus
from the child. It is often easier for a child to talk about
what someone else might feel rather than talk about their own
feelings, especially when they may not be ready or able to do
this
- Stories that reflect experiences and feelings a child has
experienced can reassure the child that they are not alone
The Family and Children’s Wellbeing collection has two
booklists. One of these is for families with younger children
and one is for families with older children and
teenagers. In each booklist the books are arranged
according to age range. The booklist for parents and carers is
located at the back of each brochure.
Note: the age ranges are approximate and designed as a guide
only.
Wellbeing Collections are available in all Kensington and
Chelsea Borough libraries. However, if the title you want is
not available, a copy will be reserved free of charge and the
library will let you know when it arrives.
Which topics does the Family and Children’s Wellbeing Collection
cover?
- Adoption and fostering
- Bereavement
- Bullying and violence
- Dealing with trauma
- Divorce and separation
- Fears and worries
- Feelings and emotions
- Food and eating issues
- New baby
- Self esteem and being different
- Sleep and nightmares
How do I use the Wellbeing Collection?
You can choose any book yourself using the Wellbeing Collection
booklists or you may be recommended a book by a health
professional. The booklist is available at all libraries or you can
view the booklist here:
What do I do if I have been recommended a Wellbeing Collection
book?
Visit any library in the Borough and borrow the recommended
book.
Can I use this service even if I am not a library member?
Yes, when you go to the library to collect your book you can
join quickly and easily. We will ask you to complete a short
library membership form and provide one form of identification
(such as a driver’s licence or bank card). If you need assistance
to complete the form or find a book, the library staff will be
available to help you.
How old does my child need to be to join the library?
You are never too young to join the library! Children can
join from the day they are born.
How long can I borrow a book for?
A book can be borrowed for 3 weeks and renewed a further 4
times.
What if the book is unavailable?
If the book you want is out on loan then a copy will be reserved
for you free of charge and the library will let you know when it
arrives.
Is the service confidential?
Yes, library staff will not divulge any information about who
borrowed the book or what the book is about. There is no need to
talk to library staff about why you are joining the library if you
do not wish to.
How can I tell you what I think of the scheme or the book I
borrowed?
We really want to hear from you about your experience with the
book you borrow, as this will help us to provide a better service.
When you borrow one of these books, a postcard with a short
questionnaire is available for your comments. please fill it in and
hand it in at the library when you return the book, or post it to
us using the freepost address stamped on the postcard. Or you can
contact us by email at: bibliotherapy@rbkc.gov.uk
or tel: 020 7341 0729.