How Reading Well and Social Prescribing Can Transform Patient Care
Social Prescribing Day is a powerful moment to recognise the vital role of non-medical interventions in supporting health and wellbeing. The Reading Agency’s Reading Well Books on Prescription model provides a great example of social prescribing in action. Across England, five GP surgeries are piloting the model, offering patients access to recommended reading designed to support their mental health and wellbeing.
In November 2024, The Reading Agency partnered with the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) to host a first of its kind professional development webinar for GPs, exploring how reading can enhance patient outcomes. Now, the next phase of this work is underway, testing Reading Well as a social prescribing tool in primary care settings.
How the GP Pilots Will Work
The five pilot GP surgeries are integrating Reading Well into their social prescribing offer, providing patients with access to recommended books that can help them better understand and manage their health and wellbeing. The pilots aim to:
- Engage patients with Reading Well content through social prescribing pathways.
- Assess the impact of Reading Well on both patients and staff, in terms of health and wellbeing.
- Develop best practice for integrating bibliotherapy into modern healthcare.
- Highlight the powerful potential of books to support patient wellbeing.
- Strengthen the link between GP practices and public library health and wellbeing services.
The Power of Books on Prescription
Reading Well has a long track record of improving patient health outcomes. Research has shown that Books on Prescription:
- Can be an effective social prescribing tool1.
- Serve as an evidence-based method of delivering self-help2.
“The Reading Well books provide a trusted, evidence-based resource that supports patients wellbeing. Reading has the potential to improve emotional and mental wellbeing, encourage positive behaviour change, and normalise conversations about mental health.”
– Dr Devin Gray, from one of the GP pilots
Reading Well’s Impact
Since its launch in 2013, Reading Well has helped millions of people access high-quality, recommended reading to support their health and wellbeing. Over 3.8 million books have been borrowed through the programme, with 92% of adult readers finding their book helpful. Additionally, 90% of health professionals have reported that Reading Well helps them support patients outside of consultation time.
Looking Ahead
As the GP pilots develop, their findings will contribute to shaping best practice for integrating reading into healthcare and social prescribing, creating a future where more people have access to the resources they need to manage their health effectively.
For those looking to get involved in #SocialPrescribingDay 2025, the National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP) offers a toolkit with further guidance. Visit their website for more information.
Let’s transform people’s health and wellbeing, one book at a time.
If you work as a social prescriber and would like information on how to embed Reading Well titles in your holistic care approach, please visit our FAQs or contact us to find out more.
