Youth Development charity Positive Futures have launched a new initiative designed to get young people’s mind active, and help stimulate their mental health. The Positive Futures Library will be available to young people living in North Liverpool and aims to stimulate the imagination of a young person and encourage inclusivity. The initiative will give young people access to literature that can help spark their imagination and facilitate some escapism during these tough times.
In a study by YoungMinds, 58% of respondents cited loneliness or isolation as the cause of their mental health issues, and 39% reported that not being able to do the things they normally do was leading to a negative impact on their mental health. This new initiative by Positive Futures Liverpool helps to address both of these challenges. Young people are given the chance to come along and choose a book (whilst following social distancing rules) which will provide them with a sense of normality and the escapism that comes with losing yourself in a good book.
To help get this project off-the-ground, the youth development charity is calling on local residents and businesses to donate books or pledge funds towards buying new books. To date, there have been 64 books donated.
Talking of this new initiative, CEO of Positive Futures Clare Corran said;
“We all know the challenges that have faced young people during this pandemic. From the digital divide which has caused a whole society of invisible children, to the social impacts faced by young people due to missing out on ‘normal’ interactions. That’s why we have worked so hard throughout this pandemic to shine a light on the needs of young people, and have continued to offer our services virtually and where permitted, face-to-face.
“This initiative is our latest step to help support our young people. With libraries closed, tech not always readily available and millions of young people stuck at home, we wanted to help provide a beacon of light during a dark time by giving our PF young people a chance to lose themselves in a book or to develop their knowledge in a particular subject area.”
Clare went on to say;
“The library will be packed full of fiction and non-fiction books spanning a wealth of genres, so there really will be something for everyone. Young people who already use PF are welcome to get in touch to arrange a time to come and check-out a title.”
Like a normal library, this service will be offered free of charge for Positive Futures young people. It is hoped that in addition to boosting their mental well-being, the library will also help young people to develop their reading skills. As such, a range of reading levels and abilities will also be catered for.
The Positive Futures Library will be available from the 3rd March, and any PF young person who wishes to borrow a book should contact info@positivefutures.org.uk or call 0151 207 6003 to arrange a collection time.
Businesses and local residents who wish to donate a book should contact info@positivefutures.org.uk.