A FORMER teacher wrote her first book in lockdown to help children cope with the pressures of mental health.

Leanne Brown from Oldham penned her first children's book during March 2020 when the first lockdown was announced.

Since then she has self published her book, Daniel's Dreams: Monster Mountain to help children manage their emotions.

Leanne, 36, said that she hopes to raise awareness of her book and hope that teachers can implement it into their lessons going forward.

She said: "I was a secondary school teacher for fourteen years but the workload was too much for me when I had my daughter Erin.

"I then went on to work with children who had social, emotional and mental health problems and that has inspired me to write this book."

Daniel's Dreams: Monster Mountain tells the tale of a little boy who sets off to Monster Mountain.

Along the way he meets different monsters and they reflect a feeling, whether it be depression or anxiety.

Leanne said: "Children don't know how to process their emotions and can't cope with their feelings sometimes.

"They need to know that mental health is just as important as physical health and they would get the support for a broken arm, they will also get the support if they are feeling depressed or anxious - it's just about explaining what those feelings are and how to recognise and cope with them."

Leanne said she has also battled her mental health and can relate to those going through a tough time.

The mum-of-one has also invented worksheets to go alongside her book.

She said: "It would be ideal for teachers to use this book and the resources that come with it. It is an excellent way to help children deal with their thoughts and to help them cope via coping strategies in the book. I have already had a great response and lots of excellent reviews from parents, some have even said it has helped them."

The book is on Amazon or at www.dreambelieveread.co.uk.