Book nooks bring comfort and connection to children and families using mental health services in Kent and Medway

Children and families receiving care from Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust are benefiting from 2 new book nooks donated by Hachette UK as part of its Raising Readers campaign, helping to create welcoming spaces within mental health services where families can read together, relax and spend time together during appointments and visits.

The book nooks have been installed at the trust’s All Age Eating Disorders Service at Pudding Lane in Canterbury and the Mother and Baby Unit in Dartford. Each site has received a bookcase, 100 books for children aged up to 10, a rug and floor cushions, creating calm, child-friendly spaces that support families’ wellbeing and make clinical environments feel more welcoming.

For children visiting loved ones or attending appointments, having somewhere comfortable to read together can help reduce anxiety, provide a positive distraction and create opportunities for connection during what can often be a difficult time.

Kirsty McInnes, Charity and Volunteers Lead at Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to Hachette UK for this generous donation. The book nooks are already being enjoyed by children and families and are a wonderful addition to our services.

“Small changes like this can make a real difference to how people experience care. Creating spaces where families feel comfortable and supported is an important part of providing compassionate care.”

The donation is part of Hachette UK’s Raising Readers campaign, which encourages children to discover the joy of reading for pleasure. The initiative forms part of the publisher’s 200th anniversary celebrations, with more than 1,600 Hachette employees taking part in volunteering activities to support children, families and communities.

David Shelley, CEO Hachette UK and Hachette Book Group (US), said: “Reading books for pleasure has been proven to be the number one activity to positively influence a child’s future success - yet there are many millions of children around the world without access to books. I’m very proud of everyone across Hachette who volunteered to help get books to those who need them, and grateful to all the fantastic partners we worked possible to develop a love of reading.”

The donation demonstrates the positive impact that support from businesses and community organisations can have on NHS services. Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust welcomes opportunities to work with organisations that want to support patients, families and local communities.

To find out more about making a donation or volunteering with Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, visit: https://www.kentmedwaymentalhealth.nhs.uk/get-involved/volunteering/