Sadsville is available for FREE on the Fonetti app

Author and TV Presenter Martin Roberts is launching a new initiative for schools with the ‘Sadsville‘ story from ‘The Villes’ series, from October 5th.  Not only will every UK primary school and 4,000 libraries receive a copy, Sadsville will also be available as an interactive listening book exclusively on Fonetti for children to read at home.

Covid has impacted children considerably and the extent of this may not be realised for some time. Child depression, anxiety and sadness is on the increase as a result and Martin hopes his story can support children and encourage them to ask for help.

Sadsville tackles the theme of child sadness through a story, written to raise awareness of the fantastic work of Childline and the NSPCC. Aimed particularly at children in Year 4 (8 and 9 year olds), Sadsville opens a discussion about emotional issues and reassures children that help is always at hand. Together with Fonetti, Sadsville will support schools as they gently welcome pupils back into class. The launch also coincides with World Mental Health Day on October 10th.

Peter Wanless, CEO of the NSPCC explains:

“Sadsville introduces children to problem solving and explains that you can be sad for a number of different reasons and encourages them to have the confidence to seek help. The number of additional children using the Childline service as a direct result of this initiative could be highly significant.”

Teachers will also receive additional lesson plan resources to support their school. Over 70% of children who’ve already read Sadsville, when surveyed, revealed that they felt ‘better able to cope with sadness’ as a result of reading the book.

We are delighted to be able to support The Martin Roberts Foundation by providing Sadsville on the Fonetti App, totally free of charge.

It is our aim to help founder Martin Roberts achieve his personal vision, to provide a copy of Sadsville into the hands of as many children as practically possible, and our digital technology provides the perfect platform, especially in the current climate.

There has never been a more critical time to support our children and their mental wellbeing. We are proud to have been given the opportunity to partner in the project and to play a small part in this grand ambition.