New collection of library books aimed at helping children understand their mental health launches

A new collection of library books has launched in Warrington that is aimed at using reading to help children understand their feelings and worries.

Reading Well for Children uses books, chosen by children, carers, health experts and librarians, to help youngsters understand more about their mental health and wellbeing.

Topics covered by the books include:

• • Understanding and managing feelings.
• • Dealing with worries.
• • Navigating the world around you, including at school, online and in the news.
• • Dealing with tough times, including when someone dies, trauma, and when a parent or carer has mental health needs.

The books are endorsed by leading health organisations such as NHS England, Mind and the Royal College of GPs. They are targeted at children in Key Stage 2 (age 7 to 11) and includes a wide range of reading levels to support less confident readers, and to encourage children to read together with their siblings and carers.

The collection launched this month at LiveWire’s libraries in the borough – it is currently at Warrington Library but will travel in turn to each of the town’s libraries. And regardless of which library the collection is currently at, library users can order/reserve the books and collect at their local library.

 Matthew Entwistle, Community Librarian for LiveWire, said: “The new Reading Well Collection for Children is designed to use the power of reading to assist children with their mental health. These books provide support in a way that speaks directly to kids, helping them to discuss their feelings and improve their mental well-being.

“We are very pleased to bring this collection of books to our libraries and hope they might help young people in the town.”

The Reading Well scheme supports people to understand and manage their health and wellbeing using helpful reading material available in libraries. The programme is delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries. There are additional Reading Well booklists for adults and young people on mental health, long term conditions and dementia.

For more information on LiveWire’s libraries and all the services and activities offered, please visit www.livewirewarrington.co.uk/libraries. For more information on the Reading Well scheme ask in your library or visit www.reading-well.org.uk.