Merseyside project to focus on children’s mental health

This year, the Builder Book 2022 initiative will focus on child mental health, supporting the local campaign for charity Boat of Hope.

Builder Book was created by Split Perspectivz, a Liverpool-community interest company.

Award-winning Merseyside authors Natalie Reeves Billing and Jude Lennon are preparing to launch this year’s Builder Book 2022 boxes.

The boxes are filled with books and activities designed to promote creativity and literacy for children, young people and their families across the Merseyside region.

Natalie Reeves Billing said: “The vision of Split Perspectivz is of a world where education is free and accessible for all children and part of Builder Book’s mission is to work locally and collaboratively to identify the children most in need of learning resources and to donate Builder Book boxes as far and wide across Merseyside as possible. 

“The boxes also allow families to follow the mental health campaign starting with the solo row of Bernie Hollywood OBE in the upcoming Talisker Whiskey solo TransAtlantic Challenge starting on December 12^th. 

“The campaign will benefit the Samaritans and Love Rowing.”

Last year’s Builder Book roll-out across Merseyside in 2021 was really successful.

 Following this success, Split Perspectivz has received orders from every Merseyside-based regional council.

Representatives from the private and public sector are volunteering to help assemble thousands of Builder Books to be distributed to schools, community centres, parent groups and town halls.

Some of these include Liverpool One, Mersey Maritime, Liverpool FC, Everton FC, Anglican Cathedral and several borough councils including the HAF Fund from Liverpool City Council and Lord Mayors.

Joanne Anderson, mayor of Liverpool said: “Mental health has been a major concern for everyone during the pandemic, especially the impact on our youngest residents. 

“It’s really important we listen and understand how our children and young people are feeling. 

“One of our top priorities is ensuring the emotional well-being of our children is supported, enabling them to flourish in education and personal development.

“Initiatives such as Builder Book UK and the Boat of Hope campaign are key to delivering inspiration, support and guidance to families across Merseyside.”

Natalie and Jude will be launching the Builder Book boxes at Novotel this Thursday 10 November.

They said they are still looking for more volunteers in the community.

Builder Book is also running an art and poetry competition via the box and online from www.builder-book.com for primary school children which will enable them to be published and have their work on display in buildings such as the Anglican Cathedral.

To find out more about how to get involved with both, email jude@littlelambpublishing.co.uk