Health and Wellbeing

We all want to lead happy and contented lives and our health can play a major part in contributing towards our overall wellbeing. Here at Newcastle Libraries we offer a range of resources, information and partnerships which aim to help people improve their health and wellbeing and which are freely available for everyone to use.

Reading Well for mental health

Reading Well for mental health books is a national scheme endorsed by health professionals and people with mental health needs to help you manage your mental wellbeing for a range of common mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, phobias and some eating disorders. Find out more about Reading Well for Mental Health Books

Reading Well Dementia

Building on the success of the common mental health conditions list, Reading Well Dementia is now available in City, Cruddas Park, Denton Burn, East End, Fenham, Gosforth, Kenton, Newburn, Outer West and West End Libraries. Each collection includes professionally endorsed information and advice for people with dementia, their carers, and people worried about symptoms or wanting to find out more about the condition. Find out more about Reading Well Dementia

Jesmond Library is the information hub for dementia friendly Jesmond.  Newcastle Libraries has provided a special collection of books from their 'Reading Well Dementia'.

Reading Well Shelf Help

Books in the collection have been chosen by young people and health experts to help you deal with difficult feelings such as anxiety, depression or stress and experiences such as bullying that can affect your wellbeing.  The collections are now available in City, Cruddas Park, Denton Burn, East End, Fenham, Gosforth, Kenton, Outer West and West End Libraries.  

Find out more about Reading Well Shelf Help

We also have lots of other books on these subjects on our online catalogue. Use the keyword search to find the subject you are interested in.  Visit the online catalogue.

Reading Well Long Term Conditions

Books in the latest collection have been chosen by health experts and people living with long term conditions and their carers.  The list covers specific conditions including diabetes, stroke and asthma, as well as common symptoms including pain and fatigue.  As with the existing Reading Well schemes, health professionals will be able to recommend titles on the list to their patients.  The collections are now available in City, Cruddas Park, Denton Burn, East End, Fenham, Gosforth, Kenton, Outer West and West End Libraries.

Find out more about Reading Well Long Term Conditions

Reading Well for children

Books in this new collection have been chosen by children, carers, health experts and librarians to help children understand their feelings and cope with tough times. The books are available to borrow in City, East End, Fenham, Gosforth, Kenton, Outer West and West End Libraries. Find our more about Reading Well for children

Pictures to Share

The Pictures to Share collections are high quality and beautiful books which combine pictures and text for adults in a meaningful way. They can help stimulate conversation between families, professionals and people living with dementia. Find out more about Pictures to Share.

Coronavirus Resources

• Coronavirus information in accessible formats 
• Coronavirus information for children and young people 
• Coronavirus information for older people    
• For the latest government advice on coronavirus

Health Resources

NHS Health Education England 

For reliable access to health information. These reliable and informative health information sites can help you with a range of issues, such as finding a local GP or dentist, learning more about conditions and also healthy lifestyles

Mental Wellbeing Support

• Mental Health Foundation digital mental help 
• NHS Every Mind Matters
• NHS mental health apps
• Mind online mental health
• NHS mental health helplines
• NHS Self-help-therapies
• NHS Where to get urgent help

Talking Helps Newcastle

Talking Helps Newcastle is the NHS talking therapy service for Newcastle residents. They can help you with common issues such as depression, anxiety, stress and anger. For more information, visit Talking Helps Newcastle.

To find more sources of quality health information, check out the NHS website.

Health Support and How to Guides 

• Using the NHS app and NHS websites to manage your health online (Digital Unite)
• Using the internet to get ready for coronavirus (Learn My Way)
• The NHS website: a how to guide (Learn My Way)
• Dementia and Computing (AbilityNet)
• How to access in-built accessibility settings (AbilityNet)

Useful websites for Children and Young People

The Mind Set

The UK's first national peer-to-peer coaching network for GCSE and national students. In a series of short clips, student coaches offer practical and wellbeing advice on how to get through the stressful  exam period.

Own It

The BBC is launching a new app to try and help the wellbeing of young people online. It's called Own It and it encourages young people to stop and think before they hit the send button. Whatever you need - help and advice, skills, inspiration, tips, knowledge and insider info on all the internet's secrets.