New Reading Well Collection Promoting Mental Wellbeing For Teens

A new collection of books is now available from Bedford Borough Libraries. The collection supports the mental health and wellbeing of 13 to 18 year-olds. It contains information to help teens understand their feelings, handle difficult experiences, and boost confidence. Teens, alongside health and wellbeing experts, have chosen the books. The aim is to help young people manage emotions and cope with difficult times. The collection focuses on supporting wellbeing in a post-pandemic context.

The books can be borrowed free from any Bedford Borough Library. The collection covers a range of topics including; managing feelings, body image, social anxiety, gender identity and mental health. Alongside the collection, there is a booklet that includes digital resources for extra support.

If a Reading Well book isn't on the shelf it can be requested for free for those under 16. Library members over 16 can request a title from the Reading Well collection for free by asking a member of staff.

The pandemic's disruption to young people's lives has increased uncertainty about identity, society and future plans. In 2020, almost 1 in 2 young people said they didn't feel in control of their lives. 1 in 3 felt 'overwhelmed' by feelings of panic and anxiety on a daily basis*. The Reading Agency developed this new collection to respond to these challenges.

It's free to join Bedford Borough Libraries at your local library in person or by going online - www.bedford.gov.uk/libraries

This is one of a number of Reading Well collections available for a range of ages and issues from all Bedford Borough Libraries. Discover all about the Reading Well collections at; https://reading-well.org.uk/.