Poole Methodist Church, Dorset

Reading allowed

When a local head teacher told the Probationary Deacon at Poole Methodist Church that her schoolchildren needed help with reading, the congregation jumped into action. The head teacher handpicked the children who needed help the most, and the church opened its doors to ten of them every Monday night. Children sit and read with volunteers, while their parents enjoy coffee, cake and a chat with members of the church.   

“Everyone I asked was very happy to help. It was a brave thing as this was a brand new project and I was asking them to trust that it might work.”

It’s about providing a listening ear, and giving families the chance to eat and read together.

Deacon Sarah Wicket