A selection of books and digital support resources from the national NHS library and knowledge services team.
Access, understand and use trusted health resources to live well and enjoy better health.
The national NHS library and knowledge services team and The Reading Agency have worked in partnership to bring together a 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. All are free to access, please scroll down to access.
- 10 Better Health
- 20 Live Well
Books can be borrowed from NHS libraries across England and anyone can access the online collection at their leisure via any computer or mobile device. Find out more from your local NHS service. Prison libraries also have copies of the books for loan. You can look at the titles and brief descriptions using the links below.
Promotional resources
We have produced some posters and social media graphics to help promote the Your Health Collection you can access a selection or use the full suite below.
NHS library teams and prison librarian can download a full suite of promotional resources on the NHS Knowledge for Healthcare workspace
Digital resources – Better Health
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.
Digital resources – Better Health
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.
Digital resources – Live Well
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 – Mental illnesses and mental health problems
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).
Digital resources – Live Well
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, advice
and 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.