Bath businesses have supported the launch of a new book by local author and Homes under the Hammer presenter Martin Roberts to help vulnerable primary school children who may be suffering abuse or neglect.
A free copy of Sadsville, written in support of the NSPCC Schools Programme, will go to every primary school child in year 5 and 6 (nine and 10 year olds) in Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES). It is hoped the book will also be made available to other schools in the South West as well as nationally. 
Martin, a father of two who lives in North East Somerset, is a long-standing champion of the NSPCC and has created a series of children’s books called The Villes.
In each title the children read about something going wrong in that Ville. The story gradually unravels until the hero, Herman, solves the problem. The books encourage problem solving – Sadsville ends by telling the children how to get help if they have a problem for any reason, and also directs them to the NSPCC’s support service Childline.
Martin Roberts said: “The idea behind the series is that by the end of each book the children will hopefully learn how to find a way of solving issues that concern them in their own world.
“The NSPCC schools programme is something I feel passionate about. Unfortunately, many children suffer neglect and abuse and it is crucial we continue to identify new ways to reach out to children so that they feel supported particularly in their early years.
“Since our launch evening in November, I have been overwhelmed with the support given to this project. It has been a truly humbling experience. Ideally, I would like to be able to take this project to other local education authorities and make the books available to all school children aged 9 to 10 nationally.”
Bath businesses sponsoring the project include Specsavers, Curo Housing, Rise and law firm Mogers Drewett while councillors Martin Veal, Liz Hardman, Donal Hassett and Ian Gilchrist have also funded and supported it.
Phil Lodge of Specsavers Bath said “It is upsetting to think that some children may feel worried and not have anyone to talk to or be able to speak to their parents. This project is so important in ensuring every child who needs the support knows where to get it and we are very proud to sponsor its launch in Bath.”
The book was illustrated by artist Jackie Geoghegan, designed by Natasha Hutton of Frome firm Postscript and the original copies printed in kind by Opal Print in Midsomer Norton.
The project is being coordinated by former Mayor of Bath Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurst MBE There are still opportunities for businesses and individuals to sponsor the 4,000 books that will be going to B&NES pupils before they are printed in January.
For more information contact loraine@morganbrinkhurstconsultancy.co.uk
Pictured at the launch of Sadsville, from left: Liz Hardman, Donal Hassett, Martin Veal, Caroline Morgan, Leonie Spencer, Martin Roberts, Phil Lodge, Steven Treharne, Gerraint Oakley, Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurt MBE and Victor Da Cunha
