Summer literacy initiative celebrated with certificates for junior readers

Young people who took part in Compassion in Action’s summer story time club have been recognised for their dedication to reading.

Eight children were presented with certificates and a gift after attending weekly reading sessions, held at Lowton Community Outlet, throughout the school holidays.

“We are so proud of our amazing young people, who listened beautifully and encouraged and supported each other,” said our CEO Pam Gilligan.

“I would especially like to thank our wonderful Community Outreach Managers, Julie and Jade Drabble, who led these sessions. Their dedication to creating a safe space for young people to come together, make friends and improve their literacy reflects our belief in whole-person care – meeting the Physical, Practical, Social and Mental Health needs of the people we support.”

Each week, the children sat down to listen to a story together. They then took part in an arts and crafts session, linked with the theme of the book.

“For example, we read a book on mini beasts in the morning, then coloured in butterflies during the afternoon,” explained Jade.

“We saw a significant improvement in the confidence levels of the children – including our youngest who, aged just 19 months, was asking for her reading sticker by the end of the summer.”

Adults who attended with the children were able to ‘chill and chat’ on site at our Oaklands Road premises during the sessions – giving parents and grandparents the opportunity for connection and conversation.

“What has been lovely is that, now a connection has been made, some of those adults have also returned alone,” said Julie. “They know our door is open and that, if needed, we have support staff who they can talk to Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 3.30pm.”

The story time sessions will resume during the October half-term holidays, and both Julie and Jade have plans for other activities to mark Bonfire Night and Christmas.

In the meantime, residents of all ages are welcome to call in to borrow books from our popular book swap service, which marks its first anniversary next month.