Reading Rooms in Derry/Londonderry has been working with BBC Children in Need since 2014.

It delivers some of the most transformative experiences across the Verbal programme.

Verbal has delivered a 12 week Reading Rooms programme to over 120 children and young people in 2018-2019, and hope to work with 200 children and young people in 2019-2020

Robust partnerships

We engage with a wide variety of groups and organisations, including:

• EARLY Intervention Family Support Hubs throughout Derry, Strabane and Dungiven
• CAMHS
• Schools throughout the Derry and Strabane area
• EOTAS
• Social Service Teams throughout the Western Trust area

Inspiring children and young people

The life experiences of some of our young people are not ideal. Many feel that they are not listened to. Some feel disconnected from their schools, carers, and communities.

Volunteers read with children and young people on a one-to-one basis or in groups. From all kinds of backgrounds, our volunteer readers are fully trained in the Reading Rooms model and current safeguarding.

Our stories are chosen by highly qualified Literary guides using a curriculum based around Resilience therefore the stories chosen cover specific themes such as relationships, bullying and decision making to mention a few. Verbal's story mappers then add special questions at certain pivotal points of the story so that children and young people have the opportunity to share their opinions and their own stories.

 We recognise milestones, celebrate achievements, and quietly encourage the most fearful and reticent of our participants.

In June 2019 we had our first Reading Rooms graduation where over 120 children and young people had a party on Derry's walls. They were awarded their Reading Rooms certificate by the Mayor Of Derry and Strabane. There was also a special guest appearance from Pudsey Bear!

Get involved

To find out how you can take part contact Fiona