Local NHS nurse writes new book to help Surrey school children develop positive mental health
Surrey school nurse Katrina Sealy has written a new book for young school children entitled Angry, ANGRY Angus. The book teaches children aged four to seven how to talk about their feelings and express their emotions to increase their chances of having good mental health as they grow up through their teenage years and into adulthood.
Children and Family Health Surrey has funded the book and teaching resource pack, which it is distributing to 92 primary schools in mid Surrey (Epsom, Leatherhead, Dorking and East Elmbridge) this term. If the pilot is successful, the book and resource pack will be rolled out to all primary schools across Surrey later this year.
The book, activities and lesson plan will help teachers and parents to give young children the words they need to talk about how they feel.
The author of Angry, ANGRY Angus, Katrina Sealey is a Specialist Practitioner School Nurse working at Children and Family Health Surrey.
Katrina Sealey, author, says: “Mental Health Awareness Week reminds us that mental health and emotional wellbeing is such a big issue for today’s young people and adults.
“To improve the country’s mental health we need to start with the next generation - by helping young children to understand and effectively express their feelings and emotions and understand those around them. Angry ANGRY Angus is helping to give children the skills to live in good mental health as they grow up.”
The book focuses on Angus who sometimes feels angry but doesn’t know how to tell people how he feels without losing him temper. His family and friends show him how to listen to those around him and to how to talk about what he is feeling. Angus learns he can even help his friends to feel less angry by listening and talking to them.
Angry, ANGRY Angus introduces children to the language they need to discuss their feelings. Phrases like ‘I think’, ‘I feel’, ‘I know’ and ‘I remember’ give children the words they need to explain what is happening inside them.
Anyone interested in the book can buy it online from Amazon.
Katrina Sealy was named ‘Rising Star of the Year’ at the annual Nursing Times Awards in November 2017.