LUDLOW MP Philip Dunne is supporting BookTrust’s campaign Time to Read, to encourage families to use books as a way to explore issues that might affect children’s wellbeing.

The campaign hopes to raise awareness of mental health issues like anxiety, loneliness and friendship issues, and is being supported by the children’s mental health charity Place2Be.

As part of the campaign, BookTrust will reach over 700,000 reception aged children with a book and new activities to try.

This year’s book is The Cave, by Rob Hogso

“Many parents worry about their children’s mental health and wellbeing, but do not know how to begin to broach those subjects,” said Mr Dunne.

“This campaign aims to offer another way in which families can start to tackle issues that may be affecting their child - by helping parents to explore new situations, emotions and perspectives with their children, even at a young age.

“I am pleased to support this campaign and encourage parents in south Shropshire to see how it might help them.”

The initiative comes at a time when there is a cloud hanging over the future of libraries.

Cashed strapped local authorities like Shropshire Council are looking for ways in which they can reduce spending as they have to spent an increasing proportion of their funds on statuary services like adult social care.