LIBRARIES throughout Somerset have a new collection of books aimed specifically at supporting children’s emotional wellbeing.

The books focus on helping them understand their feelings and worries and gives support to help them cope with tough times.

The ‘Reading Well’ collection has been chosen by children, carers, health experts and librarians and the books are endorsed by leading health organisations such as NHS England, Mind and the Royal College of GPs.

The booklist, targeted at seven to 11-year-olds in?Key Stage 2, includes a wide range of reading levels to support less confident readers and to encourage children to read together with their siblings and carers.

The Reading Well programme is delivered by The Reading Agency in partnership with public libraries, and there are additional Reading Well booklists for adults and young people on mental health, long term conditions and dementia.

Cllr David Hall, cabinet member with a responsibility for libraries at Somerset County Council, said “Our libraries play a crucial role in the health and wellbeing of the community by offering a wealth of information that is free, accessible and recommended by health experts. So, we are very pleased to be able to continue to offer our residents The Reading Agency’s book list.

“Support to cope with tougher times in life is important for all ages and this collection of books, which has been carefully chosen to support children, will help some of the younger members of our community tackle some of the tougher challenges in their lives.”

The Reading Well for Children books can be found in libraries’ children’s section of the library or visit www.somerset.gov.uk/libraries and www.reading-well.org.uk .