Lee-on-the-Solent book shop creates 'positivity boxes' to spread joy to those in isolation

The Book Shop in Lee-on-the-Solent High Street has been creating positivity boxes for residents in the area, giving them something to read and some contact with the outside world.

Many elderly residents in the area have found themselves stuck indoors due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Shop owner Sarah Veal, got the idea for the boxes from her daughter – and has delivered more than 150 so far.

The boxes contain a book, a chocolate bar, a hot chocolate sachet and a bookmark.

Sarah, 47, said: ‘I wanted to do something to keep people interested in books.

‘We’ve been sending these boxes to people who are stuck in isolation, which is great.

‘There are different boxes for different people – so parents have been getting ones for children which have revision books in them, for example.’

The boxes cost £10 each, which Sarah says is ‘reasonable' for a small business in the current climate.

A range of themed boxes are also on the way, including Easter and Harry Potter boxes.

Sarah, who took on The Book Shop 18 months ago, says positivity is the way we’ll all get through the ongoing pandemic.

She said: ‘I’ve got another 150 boxes on the way – they’re certainly proving popular.

‘It’s nice to be giving people a hot chocolate and stuff like that, so they can settle down with a good book in the evenings.

‘That’s what they enjoy doing and since we have a load of books still in the shop, it’s a brilliant way of getting them to our customers.

‘But above everything else it’s about keeping people in touch with society.’

In the British Book Awards, The Book Shop recently won an award for the best regional independent bookshop.

The shop is now up against nine other stores, with hopes of winning the top UK prize.

Sarah said: ‘People have spent their whole lives shopping here, so it’s great to give something back to them.

‘The impact we’re having on the community is what makes this so worthwhile.’