BookTrust to help the most disadvantaged children across Wales

BookTrust, the UK’s largest children’s reading charity is calling on local residents across the South West to support its Christmas appeal so hundreds of local disadvantaged and vulnerable children across the region can receive a surprise festive book parcel this Christmas.

The festive book parcels are aimed at children aged 3-13 and include a hardback book, a bookmark, poster and a letter from the much-loved writer and illustrator Ed Vere.  In total more than 16,000 book parcels will be gifted to children across the country with 600 earmarked for children living in South West England.  

BookTrust aims to reach the most disadvantaged children in the South West by working in partnership with community run foodbanks and local authorities to identify and ensure the festive book parcels reach children who need the most support – those with families facing economic hardship who rely on foodbanks or who are in care.

The surprise festive book parcels are designed to bring some joy to children at this time of year, increase book ownership amongst children who need the most support and inspire them to continue reading. BookTrust believes sharing stories and reading are invaluable for children and can create a lifelong positive impact on a child’s health, wellbeing, creativity and education.

Unsurprisingly, a recent BookTrust survey[1] of 3,000 parents and carers of children in England, Northern Ireland and Wales revealed that there was an – association between the number of children’s books families owned and the likelihood that families were reading together with their children at least once a day.

Less than half (45%) of families that owned fewer than 10 books read together at home at least once a day with their children, compared with 64% of families that owned more than 50 books. Children with fewer books at home are also less likely to receive books as gifts from friends and families, receive from school to take home and read for fun (not homework) and less likely to be registered with a local public library[2].

The survey paints an uncompromising picture of children who lack their own books and therefore miss out on the opportunity to be exposed to a wide range of creative, awe-inspiring and entertaining stories and characters that might inspire them on their reading journey.

The festive book parcels are just one of the ways that BookTrust supports children and families to share stories together and take steps towards building a regular and ongoing reading habit that can have transformative benefits for a child’s future.

Maria[3], a foster carer with over 11 years experience caring for children said:

“I’d say 80% of the children I’ve cared for have never been read to at home before. These children didn’t ask to come into the care system. Some of them have a very good bond with their birth families so it can be difficult for them to be apart. It’s important to give them time, and remember each child is different. I read to the children every night. It definitely helps because its personal time that the children get with me and brings us closer. When life is hectic and we’re all juggling different schedules it’s important to have that time together. That’s when we sit and chat and they’ll tell me about their day or what they got up to at school. We feel very lucky to receive the books from BookTrust and look forward to them when they arrive.”

Diana Gerald, Chief Executive of BookTrust said:

“We know that Christmas can be a really difficult time for so many families. The last two years have placed immense stresses on family life and budgets and many families feel the pressure of buying presents for their children at this time. For children living in care, there are added challenges, as some may be spending their first Christmas away from their families. Through our Christmas appeal we aim to reach as many children as we can with a festive book parcel. We hear from children and their families who tell us how much it means to them to receive a gift and a book of their own at Christmas. Owning books can play an important role in inspiring families to read together. We want to help as many children as we can across the South West so that’s why we’re asking for your support. Just one book can really help to brighten a child’s Christmas.”