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Actor Joe Sims helps distribute free books to Bristol children
A familiar face has been turning up on doorsteps across Bristol with a delivery of free books to help children read during lockdown.
Joe Sims is one of the volunteers involved in the new Stories at Home project that aims to distribute more than 8,000 books to vulnerable families during the coronavirus outbreak.
The Broadchurch actor, whose fundraising organisation, 500 Reasons, has donated £500 worth of books to the cause, says: “Reading as a family empowers learning at home, it empowers parents to reinforce good literacy skills and helps families build creative memories together.
is needed now More than ever
“So often children from more vulnerable families struggle to catch-up when they’ve had to take time out of school – this initiative is a massive step towards helping these brilliant kids enjoy reading and stay engaged with learning.”
According to the National Literacy Trust, one in eight disadvantaged children do not own a book, yet book ownership is significantly linked to increased reading ability and reading for pleasure.
Thousands of books are being gifted to families via food clubs and food banks across Bristol. There will also be some available for collection at specific nurseries, children’s centres and primary schools, while family support workers, teachers and the Bristol City Robins Foundation are all involved in organising doorstep drops.
The books, which cover an age range from 0 -11 have been donated by publishers, charities and other organisations including BookTrust, Hargreaves Lansdown and Phoenix Comics.
Anna Keen, Bristol City Council’s cabinet lead for education, has welcomed the initiative which comes at a challenging time for many families in Bristol.
She said: “We know that some families will have few or no books at home, and now have no access to books because schools, nurseries and libraries are closed due to the Covid-19 response.
“This new initiative encourages children of all ages to take pleasure in discovering new books and reading. We know that reading, especially from an early age, is important because it fosters life-long reading habits. With these habits come literacy skills and a love of exploring the world through the written word.”
Ruth Cochrane, a community development coordinator from Hannah More Primary School added: “In Lawrence Hill, we have lots of families in need who would usually borrow books for their children, so to be able to continue to provide them with books has been amazing.
“Teachers from our school are talking to students about what books they have received from Stories at Home and using it as a tool for learning – it’s a really positive project in our community.”
Those behind the Stories at Home project are looking for more people to sponsor the initiative and provide books. Email coronavirus@bristol.gov.uk if you can help.
Read more: Helping children in Hartcliffe get creative
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