Reading lists

This book list has a range of books, recommended by health professionals, that you might find helpful for managing your mental health.

October is Black History Month, a celebration of black culture and heritage. Below we have curated a list of stories from the African and Caribbean communities, exploring, and challenging, race and racism.

We have created a special list of books about dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia. The books include information and advice, personal stories and dyslexia-friendly stories for children.

Reading Well for children is a new scheme that supports the mental health and wellbeing of children. It provides children, their families and carers with information, advice and support. This helps them to cope with feelings and worries, daily life and getting through a tough time.

Books on this reading list have been chosen and recommended by leading health professionals and co-produced with children and families. The book selection panel included colleagues from public libraries, NHS England, Mind, the Royal College of GPs, and the School Library Association. 

The book list is targeted at children in Key Stage 2 (aged 7-11), but includes a wide range of reading levels to support less confident readers, and to encourage children to read together with their siblings and carers. 

View the Reading Well for children book list.

Useful Websites 

Reading Well 

Reading Well supports you to understand and manage your health and wellbeing using helpful reading.

Find out more about Reading Well.

Children's Mental Health Week

Set up by children’s mental health charity Place2Be, this week shines a spotlight on the importance of children and young people’s mental health.

Find out more about Children's Mental Health Week.

Fancy a quick read?

Why not try a quick read and discover the joy of reading. Written by bestselling authors and celebrities, they are a fantastic series of short stories to enjoy if you do not have much time to read or find reading difficult.

The following book lists celebrate the diversity, experience and culture of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. They include personal stories, titles for young adults and picture books to share with young children.

Books for young people

Mostly fiction titles from well-respected authors such as Becky Albertalli and Juno Dawson.

View the books for young people.

Fiction for adults

Classic stories and discover some new talented writers.

See the fiction for adults list.

Memoirs, biographies, poetry and essays

Discover personal stories and experiences from the world of entertainment, sport and literature.

See the memoirs, biographies, poetry and essays list.

Picture books to share with children

Introduce gay and lesbian relationships to young children using picture books.

View the picture books to share with children.

Useful Websites

LGBT Foundation

The foundation exists to support the needs of the diverse range of people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans. They aim to change LGBT lives for the better and secure a safe, equal future of all LGBT people.

Visit the LGBT Foundation.

Stonewall

Information and support for LGBT communities and their allies.

Visit Stonewall.

It Gets Better

The It Gets Better project exists to uplift, empower, and connect LGBTQ+ youth around the globe.

Visit It Gets Better.

Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays

Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (FFLAG) is a national voluntary organisation dedicated to supporting parents and their lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans daughters and sons. Read personal stories and discover useful resources.

Visit FFLAG.

MindOut

MindOut is a mental health service run by and for lesbians, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer people. They work to improve the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTQ communities and to make mental health a community concern.

Visit MindOut.

Breakout Youth

Breakout Youth is an independent charity based in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. They offer a confidential support service for young people aged 7 to 21, who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning or unsure of their sexuality or gender identity. 

Visit Breakout Youth.

LGBT in Southampton

Find out more about:

• LGBTQ groups in Southampton
• Southampton Pride

Your local library has a range of books, recommended by health professionals, that you might find helpful if you have dementia or Alzheimer's, are caring for someone with either condition, or want to find out more about the conditions. The books include information and advice, practical support for carers and personal stories.

The following book lists contain books inspired by the experiences of refugees and asylum seekers. From personal stories of tragedy and triumph, to finding out more about who they are and why they come to this country.

See:

• Books for adults
• Books for children and young people

Organisations supporting asylum seekers and refugees in Southampton

The CLEAR Project

The CLEAR Project provides support, help, advice and the opportunity to learn English.

Visit the CLEAR Project.

Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice provide free independent, confidential and impartial advice. No appointment is necessary, just visit us.

Find out more about Citizens Advice.

Southampton and Winchester Visitors Group

Southampton and Winchester Visitors Group are volunteers who befriend and support adult asylum seekers and refugees in the Southampton area.

Visit Southampton and Winchester Visitors Group.