A BLACKBURN College graduate has published her first book series to educate children, teachers and parents about mental health in young people.

Carla Mironiuk, 38, who lives in Blackburn, held the official launch for The Lotus series at the University Centre at Blackburn College where she detailed her journey from graduate to published author and executive director of The Lotus Mental Health Charity.

Over 100 students and teachers attended the launch including the illustrator for the book, Arriane Preston, herself a former BSc (Hons) Applied Psychology (Counselling and Health) graduate.

The books are designed to tackle mental health from a young age and follow the journey of a group of flower friends who have suffered from a different mental health disorder.

The books help to educate teaching staff and parents about mental health and how to spot the signs of mental health challenges through behavioural changes in the classroom and at home.

Ms Mironiuk graduated from the University Centre at Blackburn College in 2016 and has since gone on to launch the charity, The Lotus Mental Health Charity.

Ms Mironiuk, a BSc (Hons) Applied Psychology (Counselling and Health) graduate, said: “My time studying at the University Centre at Blackburn College was crucial to my future.

"Returning to study gave me the confidence and knowledge to help make a difference to children’s mental health.

“The books I have created will hopefully help normalise mental health from a young age and subsequently work to help reduce the negative stigmas associated with mental health.”

Caroline Bracewell, head of school for health, science and technology at the University Centre at Blackburn College said: “This amazing milestone in Carla’s career just goes to show that there are great opportunities to return to education as a mature student and achieve your career aspirations at the University Centre at Blackburn College.

“This truly is an inspiration for other students on the BSc (Hons) Applied Psychology (Counselling and Health) degree programme and beyond.

"We are very much looking forward to following and supporting Carla’s achievements in the future."

Ms Mironiuk's book series is available to purchase on Amazon.