A selection of books and digital support resources from Health Education England
Access, understand and use trusted health resources to live well and enjoy better health.
Health Education England (NHS) and The Reading Agency have worked in partnership to bring together a new list entitled ‘Your Health Collection’, to support users of health and prison libraries to understand and manage their health. The collection of 10 books and 30 digital resources were chosen by those working in healthcare, health information and knowledge and library specialists working in the NHS, in prisons, in public health and in Higher Education. The resources chosen are accessible, inclusive and reflect the diversity of society.
Online tools to support you to live well and enjoy better health.
Books can be borrowed from any of the three libraries and anyone can access the online collection at their leisure via any computer or mobile device.
Better Health
Preparing for the Menopause and Perimenopause by Dr Louise Newson (2021)
Drawing on new research and empowering patient stories from a diverse range of women who have struggled to secure adequate treatment and correct diagnosis.
The Trans Guide to Mental Health and Wellbeing by Katy Lees (2022)
This empowering self-help guide provides advice and strategies for trans and/or non-binary people on a range of common mental health issues including anxiety, depression, body image, trauma, suicidal thoughts and dissociation.
How to Build a Healthy Brain: Reduce stress, anxiety and depression and future-proof your brain by Kimberley Wilson (2020)
Whatever your age, having a healthy brain is the key to a happy and fulfilled life. Yet, for both young and old, diseases of the brain and mental health are the biggest killers in the 21st century.
It’s Not Ok to Feel Blue (and other lies) by Scarlett Curtis (2019)
Everyone has a mental health. So, we asked:What does yours mean to you? Over 60 people have shared their stories. Powerful, funny, moving, this book is here to tell you: It’s OK.
Recovery: The Lost Art of Convalescence by Dr Gavin Francis (2022)
When it comes to illness, sometimes the end is just the beginning. Recovery and convalescence are words that exist at the periphery of our lives – until we are forced to contend with what they really mean.
Men’s Health: All You Need to Know in One Concise Manual by Jim Pollard (2020)
Although male life-expectancy at birth is now close to 80, on average only 63 of those years will be in good health. That’s one fifth of your life in poor health. The aim of this manual is to help you live as many healthy and happy years as possible. It’s for men who are interested in their health and wellbeing. And all men who are not.
Live Well
The Natural Health Service: How Nature Can Mend Your Mind by Isabel Hardman (2020)
In The Natural Health Service, Isabel Hardman draws on her own personal experience, interviews with mental illness sufferers and psychologists, and the latest research to examine what role wildlife and exercise can play in helping anyone cope with mental illness.
The book about getting older(for people who don’t want to talkabout it) by Dr Lucy Pollock (2021)
Many of us are living to a very great age. But how do we give those we love, and eventually ourselves, long lives that are as happy and healthy as possible?
A manual for Being Human by Dr Sophie Mort (2021)
In this practical and insightful guide, Dr Soph will help you to understand why we all feel anxious, stressed, insecure and down from time to time.
Chronic Pain Management: Your two-part plan for understanding pain and finding relief by David Walton (2021)
David Walton, a clinical and cognitive psychologist who experiences chronic pain himself, guides readers through an understanding of the nature of pain; how the body and mind react to it; how to minimise pain; and how to choose the right therapies, medication and relief strategies.
NHS – The NHS App
A simple and secure way to access a range of NHS services on your smartphone or tablet.
NHS – What to ask your doctor
Checklist of questions to ask your doctor before, during and after an appointment.
NHS – Better Health
Tools and support to help people make healthy changes.
NHS – Better Health – Lose Weight
Weight loss plan to support people develop healthier eating habits, become more active and lose weight.
This organisation provides support and information for people of colour on a range of topics, including health and wellbeing.
Patient – Health Information you can trust
Clinical information, written and reviewed by an extensive network of doctors and healthcare professionals, helps people to feel better and live longer.
Contains articles, podcasts and videos. Now certified by the leading digital health organisation, ORCHA, who review and approve health apps for the NHS and multiple national health bodies around the world.
NHS – NHS Services
Details of how to access NHS services
NHS – Health A-Z and Medicines A-Z
Health A-Z provides a complete guide to conditions, symptoms and treatments, including what to do and when to get help.
Medicines A-Z provides information on how medicines work, how and when to take them, side effects and answers to common questions.
NHS – Better Health – Stop Smoking
Provides support and signposting to help people stop smoking.
NHS – Better Health – Every Mind Matters
Advice and practical tips to help people look after their mental health and wellbeing.
Easy to read health resources gathered together resources on a range of health conditions.
St John’s Ambulance – First Aid
Easy to follow advice on a range of first aid scenarios, also website includes further information.
NHS – Live Well – Sleep and Tiredness
Information, support and signposting on managing sleep and tiredness.
NHS – Live Well – How to get to sleep
Information and support on getting to sleep.
NHS – Live Well – Eat Well
Healthy eating advice for the general population.
NHS – Healthier Families – Food Facts
Information and resources to support people make healthy food choices.
NHS – Live Well – Exercise
Physical activity guidelines for adults aged 19-64.
Information and advice to support carers, including asking for help, finances, practical support and health.
NHS – Mental Wellbeing Audio guides
Mental wellbeing audioguides to boost mood.
RCPsych – Problems and Disorders
Information for patients, carers, family and friends relating to support, care and treatment.
Health Talk – stories of health experiences
Real stories, collected by researchers to share information and personal stories about what it’s like to live with a health condition.
Information and advice on good sexual health, including trans and non-binary sexual health.
Independent Age – Living Well with long-term health conditions
Information and advice on living well with long-term conditions.
Information and advice on a range of topics affecting older people (over 60s).
NHS – Live Well – Self Help Tips to Fight Tiredness
The Sleep Charity provide advice, support and information to empower people to sleep better. Information catering for adults, children and professionals available, along with helpful support organisations and link to a helpline.
NHS – Live Well – Alcohol Support
Information and support with alcohol facts, adviceand support.
NHS – Get active with a disability
A guide to getting active if you have a disability of long-term health condition.
NHS – Couch to 5K
A week-by-week description of the 9-week set of Couch to 5K podcasts.
Mind – Information and Support
Information and support for those affected by a mental health problem, including different conditions, helping others and tips for everyday living.
Signposting to organisations that can support people experiencing mental health difficulties.
Free independent and impartial advice and support for disabled people and their families.
A safe space for anyone to discuss anything, including sexuality, gender identity, sexual health and emotional well-being.
Alzheimer’s Society – The Memory Handbook (A practical guide to living with memory problems)
Practical support and information to help those living with mild memory problems.