‘Reading Well for Teens’ book collections launch in Cheshire West and Chester Libraries

New ‘Reading Well for Teens’ book collections will launch in Cheshire West and Chester libraries this month.

The titles will support the mental health and wellbeing of teenagers, providing information, advice and support to help teens better understand their feelings, handle difficult experiences and boost confidence.

The list has been developed as an update to the 2016 Reading Well for Young People (“Shelf Help”) list and is focused on supporting teens’ mental health and wellbeing in a post-pandemic context.

Councillor Louise Gittins, Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Wellbeing said: “The booklist is targeted at young people aged between 13 to 18 and includes a wide range of reading levels and formats to support less confident readers and encourage engagement.

“Some of the recommended books suggest useful self-help techniques; there are also personal stories, graphic books, and fiction.  Alongside the books are a selection of digital resources to support teens.”

The book collections will be available in most libraries and by free reservation.

A special launch event for partner organisations, local schools and practitioners will be held at Ellesmere Port Library on Thursday 13 October at 11am. Please contact the library if you would like to attend or book in via this link.

Reading Well for young people (“Shelf Help”) launched in 2016. Over the last few years, compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, young people have experienced a range of challenges related to their mental health and wellbeing. The new list has been developed to directly respond to these challenges.

The new list includes a range of topics identified through evidence reviews and co-production process including managing feelings, neurodiversity, body image, bereavement, social anxiety, learning about life, boosting confidence, surviving online, and sexuality, gender identity and mental health.

The collection has been chosen and endorsed by leading health professionals and co-produced with teenagers.

Reading Well has been developed by The Reading Agency in partnership with Libraries Connected and is delivered with public libraries. The scheme is funded by Arts Council England and Welsh Government.

Ellesmere Port Library is on Civic Way, opposite the Civic Hall, and can be contacted on 0151 337 4684 during opening hours.