YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH DAY BACKED BY BEDFORDSHIRE HOUSEBUILDER’S BOOK DONATION

In recognition of Youth Mental Health Day (22nd September), Bedfordshire housebuilder Barratt and David Wilson Homes has donated a collection of books to Wixams Academy in Wixams.

The donation included a range of books by Usborne Publishing, which aims to support children’s mental health.

Youth Mental Health Day, founded by Stem4 (Supporting Teenage Mental Health), encourages the discussion of mental health in young people with the aim to enable them to live happy and healthy lives.

Titles such as ‘Staying Safe Online’ by Louie Stowell, ‘Social Media Survival Guide by Holly Bathie, and ‘If I Was Your Girl’ by Meredith Russo were among the books donated.

Many of the books include interactive features to help the children express their feelings and relieve anxiety.

The school, located near the housebuilder’s Willow Grove development on Southern Cross, was delighted to receive the donation to promote positivity and encourage children to be more open about their mental health.

Amanda Maddox, Mental Health Lead at Wixams Academy, said: “Pupils Mental Health and Wellbeing is a priority for all our pupils. We gratefully receive the donation of books from Barratt and David Wilson Homes, these are a welcome addition to our existing library resources and will allow pupils to further develop their knowledge around Mental Health issues, how they present and useful strategies.”

Alison Raine, Sales Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes Northampton, said: “We hope that by donating books by a range of authors, children will be encouraged to consider their own mental health, and also the health of their peers in the playground and in everyday life.

“Youth Mental Health Day is such an important initiative, and we relish the opportunity to reach out to schools within our community and provide support for such a deserving cause.”