As the month of May brought two key awareness events into focus, a Norfolk housebuilder donated a bundle of mental health-themed books to support pupils at Sprowston Junior School.
Norwich-based Barratt and David Wilson Homes Anglia made the donation in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Week and National Share a Story Month, both of which are celebrated in May. The initiative saw the developer provide £250 worth of Usborne books to the school, which is located near its Woodland Heath development in Sprowston.
The book bundle included 28 different titles, many of which are interactive, designed to help children explore and understand their own emotions, as well as the feelings of others. The collection covers a range of themes including anxiety, resilience, empathy, and emotional wellbeing, aiming to spark open conversations in the classroom and beyond.
David Arthur, Deputy Head at Sprowston Junior School, said: “We’re so grateful for the donation of mental health books for our school library.
“These resources will support pupils in understanding emotions, developing resilience, and encouraging open conversations. They’ll be used across the school to promote wellbeing and ensure every child feels supported, valued, and able to seek help.”
Mental Health Awareness Week, which took place from 12th to 18th May, is run by the Mental Health Foundation and is one of the most widely recognised campaigns of its kind in the UK. This year’s theme was ‘community’, teaching people that being part of a safe, positive community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing.
National Share a Story Month, organised annually by the Federation of Children’s Book Groups, runs throughout May and celebrates the power of storytelling. The campaign promotes reading for pleasure and highlights how books can help children make sense of the world around them.
Simon Wood, Managing Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes Anglia, said: “We are proud to support Sprowston Junior School with this donation. As a developer building homes in the area, we are committed to making a positive contribution to the local community.
“Both Mental Health Awareness Week and Share a Story Month are timely opportunities to bring important topics into the classroom, and we hope these books give pupils the confidence to talk openly about how they are feeling and support one another.” The donation will enhance the school’s library and learning resources, providing teachers with additional tools to support emotional literacy and wellbeing in school-aged children.
For more information about the housebuilder’s local development, visit the websites at Barratt Homes at Woodland Heath and David Wilson Homes at Woodland Heath. Alternatively, to view the wider range of homes available across the county, visit the websites at Barratt Homes in Norfolk and David Wilson Homes in Norfolk.
