Local Bootle resident, Dave Kinder, has ambitions to support children to understand mental health from an early age. With this in mind, he recently wrote and illustrated childrens’ book ‘The Whispering Chimp: Think Before You Leap!‘.

The book is inspired by bestseller ‘The Chimp Paradox’ by Professor Steve Peters; based on psychology theory about the inner self and how this can affect mental health. Using this as inspiration, ‘Look before You Leap!’ follows the story of main character Alex, explaining in basic terms how the inner conscious works to make mental health easier for children to understand.

(A photograph of Dave painting his artwork followed by the painting by Dave himself)

Seaforth-born Dave attended ACES 3 year’s ago and this, coupled with reading The Chimp Paradox, changed his life at the age of 47. “I’d only just heard of mental health…mainly men’s mental health…I didn’t even know that was a thing before – and it got me thinking that younger people need to know about it earlier in life.” Dave told us from wellbeing hub, Strand By Me in Bootle Strand Shopping Centre.

Dave is now 50 and discovered through his commitment to working with various services such as Sefton Social Prescribers, Smoke Free Sefton has discovered over the last few years that he lives with Autism, Dyslexia and ADHD – and after 18 years driving a taxi, in his own words ‘Never thought I’d write a book’.

Dave started his journey through art; painting at home, then branched into to an art class at Cambridge Road Adult Learning Centre and now paints both for his own hobby and also sells his work to the public. He wants to go into art therapy in the future as he knows the affect it can have on those who need it – making a creative space feel therapeutic and letting people almost meditate through painting.

(One of Dave’s paintings)

Due to his personal success with the ACES programme, Dave will soon be attending their 10 week course to speak to the latest cohort about how the sessions can change lives. He hopes to continue to advocate for community members with ADHD, Autism and other hurdles to help them achieve their full potential.

(Another of Dave’s pieces of artwork)

The launch of ‘The Whispering Chimp: Look Before You Leap!’ is happening at Children’s Bookshop Kingsley & Co in Bootle Shopping Centre on Friday 25^th September 5pm – 7pm. All children welcome to hear the book being read in person and available to buy for £7.99. Come down to get a copy and chat to the author himself!

Follow Dave on Instagram @dkloves_art_21

If you’re looking for support with Autism or ADHD, Life’s For Living Sefton has courses and other support local Sefton residents can access.