Two year 12 students from Mount Hutt College have designed colouring-in books to support mental health and wellbeing.
Milla Leadley and Ruby Fuller have launched their colouring-in book business as part of the Young Enterprise Scheme.
It was a project close to their hearts, and will see 20 per cent of the cost of sales go to the I Am Hope Foundation to support their work with youth.
‘‘Both of us have had people in our lives who have severely struggled with their mental health and we wanted to be able to help,’’ Milla said.
‘‘We knew we wanted to do something to help people struggling with their mental health in some way, even if it was just something small.
‘‘So we spent a while brainstorming all the possible things that could be used as a resource and also how we could impact on a wider level.
‘‘We came to the conclusion that we wanted to donate to I Am Hope because we knew they could do something with the money we make to help make an actual bigger difference.’’
‘‘They do a lot of amazing work towards helping people with their mental health and giving support to people who need it.’’
I Am Hope Foundation has a focus on getting young people access to any help and support they may need.
Milla and Ruby said the concept of colouring-in books took a while to form, but they knew they had proven calming benefits.
‘‘Our books have been specifically designed with a range of different difficulties and styles so that all ages can have something to enjoy,’’ Milla said.
‘‘We found that there is no set age to enjoy colouring books, it just depends on the people who like to colour and enjoy taking that time… from little children all the way to retirees.’’
The books took time to plan and have images ranging from animals, food, sport, space to nature scenes. Interviews were carried out around the community on public preferences.
‘‘We wanted to create a book that everyone could find something they’d enjoy,’’ Ruby said.
‘‘We had to find out how we wanted the colouring book to look, but also what the public wanted our book to have.’’
The project saw Milla start drawing pictures for the book, while Ruby contacted the I Am Hope Foundation to make sure they could use their logo and be in partnership.
‘‘After a couple months of hard work, Milla had finished all the drawings. Then we found a printing company that would print our books with quality. Once the books were ready we made sure we posted it on all social media to spread awareness and get people interested in our books,’’ she said.
‘‘Making the colouring books was definitely a lot of work and a challenge, but it’s been worth it. With Milla making the books, she put a lot of her time in and out of school into the business to make sure that we had our product out as soon as possible. Having to think of different designs each time definitely got a bit tricky and stressful at times.
‘‘With the marketing of the books, we just wanted to make it so as many people as possible would see our books, so we posted on Facebook, the Methven Notice Board and Instagram. These platforms have been really helpful to get the word out about our colouring books.
‘‘Now we are also going to be selling our books in a few stores around Ashburton and Methven which will really help us even more to get as much reach as possible.’’
Each book costs $15 and 20 per cent of each sale goes to I Am Hope Foundation.
Anyone wanting to order a book or two can contact the students by email; [email protected]Â or [email protected]
