ABC to read was founded in 2004 when a larger reading charity decided to close their Berkshire branch. At the time they were helping nearly 500 children and the staff and volunteers really wanted to carry on. So with the help of our patrons – particularly Martin Salter the then MP for Reading – we re-launched ourselves. We have maintained around 100 volunteers ever since and been helping around 300 children each year improve their reading skills. We are very proud of the work we do and are currently developing the charity in order to reach more children.
The children are chosen by the schools as those in most need. The volunteers are chosen by us and are CRB checked, trained and supported. The volunteers are asked to commit to one year – in this time they have two half hour sessions a week with three children.
We have a very supportive and active board of trustees and our financial management is excellent. We are very proud of the work we do and are currently developing the charity in order to reach more children – we know how important reading is for children and their futures.