Books on Prescription

Books on Prescription is a scheme whereby books are 'prescribed' by your general practicioner to help enhance your mental and emotional well-being.

About the Scheme

So how does the 'Books on Prescription' scheme work?

GPs and other professionals have a list of self-help books recommended by specialists and can give an appropriate ‘Book Prescription’ to patients in their care.  You can take the 'Prescription' to your library and borrow the book in the usual way, for up to 4 weeks (or longer, by renewing the loan, if no-one else has requested the item).

The use of books as a means of providing psychological therapy is known as ‘bibliotherapy’.  The books have been specially chosen by experts and will provide you with the resources to help you overcome a range of psychological problems including depression, eating disorders, obsessional-compulsive problems, compulsive gambling, social phobia, panic, anger, stress and low self esteem. 

If you are caring for someone you may find that you have been concentrating on the requirements of the person you care for at the expense of your own needs. 
You need not feel alone however - emotional problems are very common and this scheme could help you.  If your caring responsibilities are wearing you down then ask your GP about the scheme - the flexibility it offers is ideal for Carers. 

Who can access this scheme?

The scheme runs across all the NHS Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) in Birmingham.  If your GP is from any of the Birmingham PCT's and feels that this scheme could help you, then he/ she can prescribe one or more of the books from the approved list, which would be of particular benefit to you.   

For more information please visit the Birmingham City Council Books on Prescription Website.