Colin Matthews: Chartered Psychologist

Child and Family Book Scheme

In 2007, Colin Matthews was commissioned by the Borough of Poole to develop and manage a local implementation of Gwent PCT's Children and Families Bibliotherapy Scheme.

This scheme was developed in collaboration with the children's charity, NCH, Poole Libraries, Poole and Bournemouth PCT, Poole Social Services and Dorset HealthCare NHS Foundation Trust and was launched on 1st October, 2007.

The aim of the scheme is to inform parents and carers about good quality books to help with problems and difficulties experienced by most families and to provide these books free of charge through the local library service.

Issues addressed by the scheme include:

• Anger
• Bereavement
• Bullying
• Challenging behaviour
• Confidence and Self-Esteem
• Divorce and Separation
• New Parents
• Potty Training
• Sadness
• Sibling Rivalry
• Sleep
• Stepfamilies
• Teenagers
• Worries and Fears

All the books on the scheme are available from Poole Libraries for residents of Poole Borough. Advice on which book might be best for you can be obtained from your health professional (Health Visitor, School Nurse, GP etc.). You can, of course, simply browse through the books at your local library and decide for yourself.

Health Professionals wishing to know more about the scheme or wanting to obtain practitioners packs, containing the book list and descriptions of the books, should contact the Poole Parenting Pathfinder Project on 01202 853268 or email them at