Reading Well evidence base

There is a strong evidence base that reading can improve your health and wellbeing. Through a thorough annual evaluation of the scheme, as well as several strong case studies, we are able to show the positive impact of Reading Well on individuals.

National Institute for Care and Excellence guidelines

For Reading Well for mental health we used National Institute for Health and Care and Excellence (NICE) guidelines, which recommend the effectiveness of self-help based on the principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

Visit the NICE guidelines website for further information on how these guidelines were formed.

Guided and unguided self-help

Evidence indicates that guided self-help works and is more effective than unguided self-help. Whilst there does need to be more research into unguided self-help including books, the research supports the idea that unguided self-help is effective.

Whilst support and guidance increases the effectiveness of self-help, books alone are also helpful. They are a cost-effective way of delivering information, a technique of proven effectiveness used by professionals and are a springboard into further professional help.

See a selection of self-help studies here.

Books on Prescription model

There is growing evidence to suggest that the Books on Prescription model is an effective method of delivering self -help reading. The results of several studies have demonstrated therapeutic effects, and cost efficiencies.

See our collected evidence base for the Books on Prescription model here.

Creative reading

There is evidence that reading novels and poetry can reduce stress and boost your mood.

See our collected evidence base for Creative reading and health and wellbeing here

Reading groups

Social reading activity can promote wellbeing, combat isolation and bring people together in supportive communities. This evidence is important to us because of the work The Reading Agency does around Reading Groups.

See our collected evidence base for Reading Groups and health and wellbeing here.

The health and wellbeing value of public libraries

Public libraries play an important role in the health and wellbeing. The Public Library Health Offer is a strategy which expresses the public library contribution to the positive health and wellbeing of local communities. It is a strategy developed by Libraries Connected in partnership with The Reading Agency.

See our collected evidence base for the health and wellbeing value of public libraries here.