Libraries supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing

Earlier this month, libraries launched their Reading Well for Children book collection.

These books provide helpful reading to support children’s mental health and wellbeing, joining the other collections already on the shelves including "Reading Well for Mental Health, Reading Well for Young People (Shelf Help) and Reading Well for Long Term Conditions.

The books have been chosen and endorsed by leading health professionals and are targeted at children in Key Stage 2 (age 7-11) A wide range of reading levels are supported and help less confident readers and encourage children to read together with their carers.

Shockingly, 12.8% of 5-19 year olds have had a mental health condition. 34% of parents of children aged 4-11 worry about their child’s mental health and 60% of children aged 8-11 say they regularly feel stressed, sad or worried.

Although 39% of 8-11s say they find it difficult to talk about their emotions, 90% of parents agree that reading together is a useful tool to help open up conversations.

The 33 titles in the collection cover subjects such as maintaining good mental health, understanding and managing feelings, dealing with worries, dealing with tough times personally and navigating the world around you, including at school, online and in the news.

Visit your Library to find out more about the Reading Well for Children book collection and how it can support parents and children.

For the full booklist, visit www.reading-well.org.uk