Mental health books to be donated to schools

A bookshop is donating books about mental health to schools and nurseries to help children navigate their feelings.

Little Pickle's Bookshelf, in Codsall, started the initiative to mark Mental Health Awareness Week.

The books have been sponsored by local businesses with 10 book bundles gathered for nominated schools in Staffordshire, including Codsall, Brewood and Perton.

Owner of the bookshop, Emma Davis, said the donations would help children and many schools had been excited to receive them.

From emotions to using social media, the books discuss a range of important topics for children all the way from pre-school to secondary school, she said.

"Children can come into school with big feelings and books can help them feel less anxious," she said.

"Books increase younger children's vocabulary, their ability to talk and help them understand more about the world."

Ms Davis, who also teaches at St Nicholas CE First School, in Codsall, thanked local businesses for their "really generous" support and urged others to get involved.

"Schools have been excited when I get in touch and it's a really rewarding thing to do," she added.

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