A Shared Goal of Helping Local Children

Photo: Libraries NI District Manager Michael Fry and Jonathan Smyth from Action Mental Health launch the upcoming Healthy Me Bitesize children’s mental health sessions.

On Tuesday 27 February, in Carrickfergus Library, Libraries NI and Action Mental Health will be launching the Healthy Me Bitesize programme for children aged 8 – 11 years old from 3:30pm to 5:00pm.

The Healthy Me Bitesize programme, delivered by Action Mental Health, is a free after-school event offering a vibrant and engaging mental health promotion which explores emotional/mental health, healthy lifestyle choices and pathways to effective support through imaginative and interactive play and song.

Local libraries across Northern Ireland offer a wide range of resources to not only educate children about mental health, but also empower them to take control of their own emotional wellbeing. These resources include the Reading Well for Children collection of books to help understand feelings and worries and cope with tough times. The Shelf Help collection of books provides quality assured information and advice to help older children understand and manage their mental health.

Karen Moreland, Libraries NI Senior Services Manager said:

“Libraries play an important role in supporting children’s mental health. By providing a safe and welcoming space, libraries create an environment where children and young people can go to escape the stress, hustle and bustle of everyday life.

We hope young people will find these free events beneficial and thank you to Action Mental Health for delivering them in local libraries.”

Jonathan Smyth, Action Mental Health said:

“We are delighted to be delivering these important sessions in six Libraries across Northern Ireland. As a charity focused on improving mental health and wellbeing, we know that early intervention is key, and these sessions will help to build the emotional literacy of the children attending. Thanks to our partners at Libraries NI for facilitating them.”

All events are free to attend but booking is essential by contacting the relevant library. All children attending must be accompanied by an adult or carer for the duration of the session.

For more information on all the resources available in your local library including the books available in the Reading Well for Children and Shelf Help collections, please visit www.librariesni.org.uk.

Healthy Me Bitesize Sessions