These can be trying times, with plans on hold and everyone adapting to a new and ever-changing reality.  Books and reading can support mental wellbeing and The Reading Agency’s Shelf Help book collection aimed specifically aimed at 13-18 year olds might help.  

This collection of 35 books is recommended by health professionals and young people with experience of mental health issues.  It includes self-help books, memoirs, graphic novels and fiction that can guide teenagers to support and advice for common mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety and stress.  Before COVID-19, research showed that 1 in 10 young people struggle with their mental health.

The Shelf Help books can all be found in Manchester Libraries, but many of them are also available digitally and are therefore available whilst Libraries are closed.  The following Shelf Help books are available as eBooks from Borrowbox:

With research showing that reading has a positive impact on wellbeing, it has never been more important to take at least 10 minutes each day to read.

To see more updates on reading for pleasure in Manchester, please follow the Read Manchester Facebook page and see readmanchester.org.uk.

Further support:
All children and young people in Greater Manchester can now access free online counselling and emotional well-being support. The Kooth online counselling and emotional wellbeing platform will be available to any young person who may be struggling with their mental health during the COVID-19 outbreak.