In an inspiring act of community care, Essex-based charity Get Started Art are donating 10,000 Zones of Regulation colouring books to Primary Schools and Community Groups throughout the county, offering vital emotional support tools to thousands of children at no cost to families or schools.
These are not ordinary colouring books. Carefully designed using the Zones of Regulation framework, they help children identify, understand and manage their emotions, building self-regulation skills through simple, accessible art-based activities. With similar books retailing online for £5.00 or more, this donation eases the financial burden on parents and educators alike during a time when mental health challenges are rising and budgets are stretched thin.
These books are valuable resources, not just in monetary terms, but in their capacity to support early intervention and long-term wellbeing. For a child struggling with anxiety, frustration, or low mood, these tools can be life-changing. They foster not only emotional resilience but also open meaningful dialogue between children, teachers and parents.
This latest initiative builds on Get Started Art’s growing legacy of socially impactful campaigns, including:
10,000 Books for Dementia Awareness, empowering care homes and families with resources that support memory, connection and comfort for those living with dementia.
20,000 Books for Children’s Mental Health Week, equipping schools and youth groups with creative tools to promote emotional wellbeing during one of the most important weeks in the mental health calendar.
“Children don’t always have the words to express what they feel,” said David Barton, Founder for the charity. “These books give them another language, through colour, creativity and self-awareness. We’re not just handing out books; we’re handing out hope, understanding and support.”
By providing 10,000 of these essential resources to schools and community groups across Essex, Get Started Art is addressing a critical need in supporting children’s mental health and emotional wellbeing.
