The Reading Agency launches Reading Well for families collection
The Reading Agency has launched its Reading Well for families collection. The evidence-based book collection aims to support the mental health and wellbeing of families during pregnancy and the early years. Available across public libraries in England and Wales, it includes information and personal stories on topics including parental wellbeing, perinatal mental health problems and coping with loss.
The collection was developed by The Reading Agency with input from health professionals and co-produced with parents who have lived experience of perinatal mental health challenges. PIF communications manager Sheena Campbell was on the collection Advisory Group.
Demand for perinatal mental health support
The Reading Agency said the new collection has been launched at a time of unprecedented demand for perinatal mental health support:
- Monthly referrals for perinatal services in England have risen dramatically from around 1,400 referrals a month in 2016 to more than 7,600 in 2024.
- At least 1 in 5 women experience mental health problems during pregnancy and after birth.
- Anxiety and depression are the most common serious maternity health considerations.
- In Wales, almost 9,000 new mothers experience perinatal mental health problems each year.
- Almost half of people who sought NHS support for perinatal mental health problems report waiting too long to receive help.
Access the collection
Reading Well for families is available in multiple formats including eBooks and audiobooks. In Wales, the scheme is delivered bilingually in collaboration with the Books Council of Wales. Titles can be borrowed for free from local public libraries, where staff have been equipped with resources to guide families to appropriate reading.
Additional digital tools, including a promotional toolkit and an interactive leaflet, are available online for community and health partners.
Find out more about the Reading Well for families collection on the Reading Agency website here.