Hundreds Across Cornwall Join ‘Take 10 to Read’ for World Mental Health Day

Cornwall celebrated World Mental Health Day with a county-wide reading campaign that saw hundreds of people taking part in the National Literacy Trust’s ‘Take 10 to Read’ initiative. Families, schools, and community groups joined together to enjoy the mental health benefits of reading.

A Morning on Portreath Beach

Yesterday, 22 families gathered on Portreath Beach to take part in the National Literacy Trust’s campaign. Supported by local partners Little Ones and Healthy Cornwall, the group enjoyed a relaxed morning of stories, songs, and a book swap. Every family received a new book, encouraging them to continue reading at home and experience the wellbeing benefits.

Hundreds Take Part Across Cornwall

The celebrations extended beyond the beach. In total, around 700 people joined the campaign across Cornwall, dropping everything to read for 10 minutes in homes, community spaces, and schools. Eight Cornwall-based community groups, local businesses, and charities, including Cornwall Council, Home-Start Kernow, The Writers’ Block, and Flying Start Nursery, all took part in the drive to promote reading for wellbeing.

350 children from 11 schools also took part in virtual events, featuring bestselling authors. Younger children enjoyed a workshop with Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet of Supertato, while older children were inspired by authors Natalie Denny and A. F. Steadman.

Reading for Wellbeing

Research from the National Literacy Trust reveals that reading can help improve your mood and support relaxation. The campaign aims to encourage people to incorporate reading into their daily routines, whether it’s a comic, recipe book, or post-match analysis from the weekend’s game.

With reading for pleasure rates among 8 to 18-year-olds in decline, events like these play an important role in boosting literacy and wellbeing across Cornwall.

For more information and to get involved, visit literacytrust.org.uk/take-10/.