Reading Well for children recommends reading to help children understand their feelings and worries and cope with tough times.The books have been chosen by children, carers, health experts and librarians and are endorsed by leading health organisations including the NHS, Mind and the Royal College of GPs. Reading Well Books on Prescription for children is being brought to Wales by UK charity, The Reading Agency in partnership with Welsh Government and public libraries. Reading Well for children is the third Reading Well scheme to be delivered in Wales following the success of the dementia and mental health book collections.
The Reading Well for children booklist is targeted at children in Key Stage 2 (aged 7-11) and includes a wide range of reading levels to support less confident readers, and to encourage children to read together with their siblings and carers. It contains 33 books selected to address key challenges facing children today. Titles deal with topics from anxiety and grief, bullying and internet safety, to how to cope with events in the news. The booklist also explores living well with a range of diagnosed conditions including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), dyslexia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and physical disabilities.
The list covers:
• General information and advice about maintaining good mental health and wellbeing
• Understanding and managing feelings
• Dealing with worries
• Navigating the world around you, including at school, online and in the news
- Dealing with tough times, including when someone dies, trauma, and when a parent or carer has mental health needs
• Support for living well specific diagnosed conditions including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and physical disabilities
How it works:
Health and social care professionals, teachers and anyone else offering support to children and families can use the scheme to recommend helpful reading. The scheme can also be used on a self-referral basis. The books are available in English & Welsh at your nearest Powys Library and can be borrowed for a period of 6 weeks. The books can also be reserved online and collected from your local library.
It's free and easy to join your library.
