Support Children's Mental Health through books!

Hello!

My name is Annalise and I am a Children's Creative Mindfulness Teacher, Mental Health Support Worker and most importantly a mum from the South West of England.

Whilst supporting children from as young as 4 years old with their Mental Health, I began to realise just how hard they were on themselves and how negative their self-talk was. Pressures from School, friends and family had led many of them to believe that they weren't good enough, that they needed to change themselves to fit in and after more and more time went on their confidence in themselves began to shrink so low that this caused major anxiety disorder and low self-esteem, yes from as young as 4!

My work has always been a preventative service. I believe that reaching children whilst they are still in the early years of their life is the most crucial time to ensure that they grow up with good Mental Health and a positive Mindset. There really is no better time then when a child is young to start promoting positive Mental Health and what better way to do that then with a story book!

It's no secret that children learn best through reading so I thought what better way to teach children about the importance of self-compassion and kindness than with a story book, that's when 'My Inner Friend and Me' was created!

'My Inner Friend and Me' is a short picture story book for children from 4+ which shows the journey of a monkey who discovers his 'Inner Friend' and uses the power of positive self-talk to stop his Inner Friend from turning into an Inner Bully! The main aim of this story is to promote self-compassion through speaking to yourself the way you would speak to a good friend, something children (and adults!) need to remember, especially during difficult times. This story is also a positive reminder to any child who is experiencing bullying, that they can be their own Inner friend and pick themselves up when they are feeling down, promoting true resilience and compassion.

Children must learn self-compassion in order to combat feelings of anxiety, low self-esteem, lack of confidence and the effects of bullying. Learning how to speak kindly to themselves and discovering their 'Inner Friend' is the best way to do this!

So in order to get this message out to as many children as possible I am asking you kind and generous people to donate to the publication of this book so that I can print 100 copies, 10 of which I will be donating to 10 Primary Schools across the South West so that they can help the children in their School who are struggling with anxiety, low self-esteem or bullying discover their very own 'Inner Friend'! I will also include an activity pack with the book donation so that the children can make their very own Inner Friend to keep. I also intend to hold book readings at local libraries across South Glos and workshops at schools to help promote 'My Inner Friend and Me'. Unfortunately though I cannot afford to print these books on my own (I wish I could!) as I have been quoted £500 by a local printing service to get the books ready for print and printed within the next few weeks.

The book is illustrated by a local artist which I self-funded and I have worked tirelessly for a year to write and edit the book so that it is finally ready to share! The only thing that is holding me back from delivering this vital message to children is the money to get it printed. I really dont want all this hard work to go to waste as we are so close to the finishing line now! Therefore, I would really appreciate your kindness in finally getting this book printed and in helping to promote positive Mental Health for the children of today through the art of creative story telling!

Thank you so much and may you also remember that your Inner Friend is always there, you just need to find it!

This book is also dedicated to my son Sebastian, may you always know how to reach your Inner Friend❤.