Lucy Bagshaw, who runs The Story Spot independent bookshop on the Isle of Wight, has announced a new Mental Health Book Bundle initiative.
Books at the heart of the community
Lucy opened The Story Spot in May 2025 and has focused her work on supporting children in schools and nurseries through the power of books.
In summer 2025, she ran a Starting School Book Bundle incentive to help children manage the anxiety that can come with starting primary school, moving to secondary school, or entering a new year group.
She said the response from schools and local businesses showed how much difference the right books can make.
Supporting children’s mental health
Lucy is now running a Mental Health Book Bundle initiative to coincide with Children’s Mental Health Week, which takes place from 9th to 15th February.
The initiative aims to ensure children across the Island have access to books that support emotional wellbeing, build confidence, and help them understand and manage their feelings.
Lucy said the work is very personal to her, as she found her own school years difficult and now supports her young daughter with additional needs.
She said meaningful resources can help children feel understood, supported, and less alone.
Pennington: Support, education and open conversations have never been more important
Several businesses have already got involved. Matthew Pennington, founder of Circle Fire and Security, said,
At Circle Fire and Security, we believe safeguarding young people goes far beyond physical safety. It includes protecting their wellbeing and future too.
“The latest findings from the IW Youth Trust are deeply concerning, highlighting a growing mental health crisis among young people on the Isle of Wight.
“With so many struggling with unhappiness, isolation and self-harm, it’s clear that support, education and open conversations have never been more important.
“We’re proud to sponsor and donate this bundle of books to East Cowes Engineering College as a small but meaningful step towards providing young people with resources that can help them feel understood, supported and less alone.
“As a local business, we feel a responsibility to give back to our community and to stand behind initiatives that make a real difference. If even one student feels helped or encouraged by these books, then it’s been worth it.”
Williams: We are proud to be giving a little back where we can
Ben Williams, Director of Williams Estate Agents, said,
“Being part of the local community is incredibly important to us and being able to support our local children is something we are proud of we whether it be the through sponsoring local football teams, cadet sailing or through the donation of mental health books etc, we are proud to be giving a little back where we can.”
Local businesses and members of the public can sponsor the Mental Health Initiative.
Sponsors receive acknowledgement inside the books and promotion on The Story Spot’s social media channels.
Article edit
6.55pm 5th Feb 2026 – Reference to Sophie’s Legacy removed
