Be Well@NCL
A collection of resources to help you understand and manage your mental health and wellbeing.
Be well@NCL is a collection of tried and tested books, e-books, audio titles and podcasts chosen in partnership with the University's Student Health and Wellbeing Service. These resources are available to be borrowed by University students and staff to help them understand and manage their mental health and wellbeing.
How is reading or listening to a book helpful?
There is evidence from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) that self-help books, like those in the Be well@NCL collection, can help people to understand and manage their mental health including depression, stress, low-self-esteem, anxiety and more. Reading or listening to a book written by someone who understands the difficulties you're facing can help you start to feel better.
In these videos the Student Health and Wellbeing Services team and other university staff explain why they have found particular books from the collection helpful:
Print books
Print titles can be found in the Philip Robinson Library, the Walton Library and the Law Library.
- In the Philip Robinson Library, Be well@NCL books can be found on Level 2 in the Short Loans Collection area (this is the level that you enter the building on and the collection is situated at the right-hand side of the help desk.)
- In the Walton Library, books are located in the Short Loans Collection area, next to the printers.
- In the Law Library, titles can be found at the end of the English Law Reports corridor.
Check if a book is available before going to the Library by clicking on the print title in the reading list or by looking it up on Library Search. Alternatively you can use our click and collect service. Books can be borrowed discreetly using our self-issue machines. Students can borrow items for up to 20 weeks unless someone else reserves it. We will send you an email telling you when you need to return them. If you are struggling to return any items, do get in touch and let us know.
You can also borrow many of the Be well@NCL titles (including print, e-book and audio formats) from Newcastle public libraries. Join Newcastle Libraries online and type the title or author name into their Library Catalogue.
E-books and audio books
The easiest way to access e-book or audio book formats is by locating the title in our Be well@NCL reading list. The format of the resource is noted under the title of the item in the list. Click the ‘view online’ link to access the item you have chosen. You can also use the filter at the top of the list to find all e-book or audio book titles available.
Alternatively, search for the title via Library Search. The format of the resource is noted above the title in the results list. If there is an e-book or audio book available, follow the ‘online access’ link for the item you have chosen.
If we don’t have a Be well@NCL title in your preferred format, you can check if it is available at Newcastle public libraries. Join Newcastle Libraries online and download their Borrowbox app for e-book and audio options.
Podcasts
The Be well@NCL collection includes a selection of podcasts recommended by the Student Health and Wellbeing Services team. To access these podcasts, go to our Be Well@NCL reading list and click on the ‘podcasts linked to Be well@NCL titles and author’s’ section or browse any relevant topic headings to see podcasts recommended for particular health issues.
What if the books don't help?
If you find the book you are reading or listening to is not helping, please consider contacting the Student Health and Wellbeing team. Student Health and Wellbeing offer support, information and guidance on a wide range of topics for students. If you are a member of staff please contact your GP, health professional or the Employee Assistance Programme.
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