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

In recognition of Youth Mental Health Day (22nd September), David Wilson Homes has donated a collection of books to Ridgeway Primary Academy in Market Harborough.

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 ‘The Unworry Book’ by Alice James, ‘All About Feelings’ by Felicity Brooks and ‘Social Media Survival Guide’ by Holly Bathie 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 Burnmill Grange development on Burnmill Road, was delighted to receive the donation to promote positivity and encourage children to be more open about their mental health.

Dave Turner, Head of School at Ridgeway Primary Academy, said: “Our Wellbeing Ambassadors were delighted to accept the donation of books on behalf of the school, and have already planned some activities to do with their peers.

“At Ridgeway we work hard to ensure our pupils’ mental wellbeing is looked after alongside their physical health and academic education. These resources will go a long way to supporting this work.”

Rachael Harrison, Sales Director at David Wilson Homes East Midlands, 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.”