Reading well to help children's mental health
03 Feb 2020 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
Northumberland Libraries are marking Children's Mental Health Week 2020 with the introduction of the
Reading Agency’s new Reading Well for children’s booklist to libraries throughout the county.
Launching nationally on 3 February the Reading Well for children booklist will support the mental health and wellbeing of children, providing children and their families and carers with information, advice and support for coping with feelings and worries, daily life and getting through a tough time.
The books have been chosen and endorsed by leading health professionals and co-produced with children and families. Our book selection panel included colleagues from public libraries, NHS England, Mind, the Royal College of GPs, and the School Library Association.
The booklist is targeted at children in Key Stage 2 (aged 7-11), but includes a wide range of reading levels to support less confident readers, and to encourage children to read together with their siblings and carers.
Cllr Cath Homer, cabinet member for Culture, Arts, Leisure and Tourism at Northumberland County Council said: “The positive benefits of reading, particularly to young children are well documented.
“Children’s mental health and wellbeing is a priority for the council and for young people living in the county and the council along with its partners have developed the Northumberland Children and young People’s Plan which sets out our hopes and ambitions for the future.
“The Reading Well for children booklist will offer children and their families extra support and advice in the safe and welcoming environment of our libraries.”
The books are available to order and collect from any Northumberland Library and can be ordered online via the libraries website www.mylibrary.co.uk
The booklist can be found here
Libraries are a great place to introduce children and young people to the benefits of books and reading. Head into your nearest library to join for FREE. We are also currently asking members of the public for their views on the future shape of Northumberland’s Library Service. To submit your ideas go to https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/NCCLibraryConsultation