The Ammanford teacher donating childrens mental health books

Natalie Davies is an independent Usborne Book Partner with an online bookstore called Little Book Den.

She has collaborated with a range of businesses and charities to provide free mental health book bundles to schools.

These businesses have sponsored 62 book bundles which were donated to 44 primary schools in Amman Valley, Llandeilo, Crosshands and Neath Port Talbot.

Pictured from left to right - Natalie Davies, daughter Rosie, Will Miles and Llyr Roberts from Llandeilo & Llandovery Roundtable. A donation of 26 children’s mental health book bundles were donated to 13 Primary schools. (Image: Natalie Davies)

Natalie's first pop up stall at KidzWorld Play Area where her son Rowan was reading a book. (Image: Natalie Davies)Natalie said: “The books are fun, friendly, and designed to help young children to recognise and understand their feelings. It also teaches them how to talk about and manage their emotions.

“Being able to express and manage emotions is important for children. Usborne has a wide selection of mental health books. These books are fantastic for well-being. They can help others and make a difference.

“Schools have been over the moon with the books I have donated to them. It’s nice to think those schools are going to read those books. I hope more and more kids get to read them.

NPT Adult Learning in the Community donated 25 children’s mental health book bundles to 25 Primary schools. (Image: Natalie Davies)

Nikkita Williams from Hair Envy donated a bundle of children’s mental health books to Ysgol Gynradd Brynamman. (Image: Natalie Davies)Natalie is a mother of two and believes more needs to be done to support mental health issues.

“May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental health matters every day of every month, but using this month to spread more awareness can help reach people who still feel alone in their struggles.

“This is something that heavily hits home and is something I feel passionate about. I think it’s important to keep the conversation about mental health open, honest, and actively happening.

“I want to thank the businesses that supported me because without them I couldn’t do it. These books are a great start and it’s important to share helpful resources.”

Rhys Roberts Brickwork & Building Services Ltd donated to Ysgol y Bedol. (Image: Natalie Davies)

Usborne also offers drawing books to improve children's mental health. (Image: Natalie Davies)The organisations who have supported Natalie’s initiative include Joseph Smile Charity, Hair Envy, Llandeilo Roundtable, Rhys Roberts Brickworks and Building Services Limited, Perfectly Polished, Yr Ysgol Nursing Homes, LBS Building Merchants, Garnant Golf Club, Tony Falvey, NPT Adult learning in the community services, Chelsey Benger Makeup, Beauty & Hair, GCG Community Council and Tairgwaith councillor Sarah Thomas.

Usborne books are designed to help children understand their feelings. (Image: Natalie Davies)

(Left) Natalie and her son Rowan on school deliveries, (right) LBS Builders Merchants donated a bundle of books to Ysgol Gymraeg Rhydaman. (Image: Natalie Davies)Natalie is now planning to launch a book giving initiative for local families during the summer holidays and businesses who donate will be showcased on each book pack they’ve helped to fund.

Usborne Books offer to boost the value of book sales at partnered sponsored read events by 60 percent – the more funds are raised the more free books will be provided by the publisher.

For more information about the children’s mental health book bundles project or for upcoming ‘Look for a Book’ events, contact littlebookden@gmail.com.