‘Mood boosting’ books for Cranbrook Education Campus

Pupils at Cranbrook Education Campus are relishing new books for their library, provided through Cranbrook’s Healthy Town scheme which is funded by NHS England’s Healthy New Town programme.

The thirty seven new arrivals for secondary school aged children, valued around £240, cover the Reading Well Mood-Boosting Book lists chosen by and for young people. The Reading Well Mood-Boosting Books scheme, run by the Reading Agency, is described as a national promotion of uplifting titles, including novels, poetry and non-fiction.

The ‘Mood Boosting’ books were recommended by young people for lifting their mood. For example Roald Dahl's Matilda was recommended for being "one of the funniest, most heart-warming books you will ever read". Another book was included because it “reinforces that it is possible to live well with mental health issues”, and another for its ability to "put a smile on your face, whatever your age".

Two priorities of the Cranbrook Healthy Town programme focus on healthy schooling and innovative health messaging, which these new books support.

Councillor Andrew Moulding, East Devon District Council’s Deputy Leader and executive spokesman for strategic partnerships, said: “It’s wonderful to see the Cranbrook Healthy Town programme in action, with some really innovative ideas being implemented and many more to come. Examples include supporting Premier League Kicks, supporting a community mocktail bar, promoting active travel plans, and now providing mood-boosting books for students.

“These mood boosting books promote the benefits of reading for health and wellbeing. We are currently ordering more books for the school covering the Reading Agency’s Reading Well for Young People list which will offer information, support and advice on mental health issues and difficult life pressures such as bullying. As these books have all been chosen by young people and health professionals, they will help to ensure the health and wellbeing of our young people now and for the future.”

Stephen Farmer, Head of Secondary, Cranbrook Education Campus, said: “The students are delighted with the choices and very keen to start reading! Thanks to funding from the Cranbrook Healthy Town programme for these books, which students will enjoy for many years to come.”