Children Reading for Life is working in partnership with a collective of local businesses across the Arun district brought together by David Wride, Founder of Survival 2 Significance to sponsor families through the Children Reading for Life community-led programme aimed at improving children’s life chances through reading.
The initiative, led by founder Polly Atkinson, has seen around 20 small businesses contribute collectively raising approximately £1,500, enough to fund two terms of family reading support in the spring and summer terms. By pooling resources, the model enables smaller businesses to make a meaningful impact, demonstrating how collective action can deliver lasting change within local communities.
The funding is supporting a local family in Bognor Regis, helping to build confidence, strengthen family connection, and foster a lifelong love of reading through guided support and shared reading experiences.
The sponsorship funds a comprehensive programme designed not just to support a child’s reading ability, but to embed a love of reading within the whole family. The initiative includes weekly one-to-one sessions, read-aloud storytelling, book ownership, library visits, and tailored guidance for parents, creating an environment where reading becomes a shared, enjoyable part of everyday life.
David Wride, Founder of Survival 2 Significance and organiser of the participating business group, said:
“This is a great opportunity for businesses that might not be able to fund large projects? on their own but can come together to give a little and make a big difference to a child’s life. It’s about creating connection, time together and giving families something meaningful they can continue long after the support ends. Too often you see children in front of screens and that connection gets lost. Sitting down with a book and sharing that time, is simple, but it’s powerful.”
The service also aims to provide a scalable model for other business communities, highlighting how collaboration can unlock grassroots impact and widen access to literacy support.
Polly Atkinson, Founder of Children Reading for Life, said:
“This is exactly what Children Reading for Life is about, bringing communities together to support families in a meaningful and lasting way. Having grown up locally in the area and attended St. Mary’s RC Primary School myself, it’s incredibly special to now be returning to support children and families with their reading. Reading is one of the most powerful gifts we can give a child, and this collective support shows how businesses can play a vital role in shaping brighter futures.”
The initiative comes at a time of renewed national focus, following the UK Government’s call for parents to read more with their children to boost life chances as part of its National Year of Reading campaign. Children Reading for Life has long championed this message, working directly with families to embed reading into everyday life and create habits that extend beyond structured support.
Participating businesses primarily based across Bognor Regis, Littlehampton, Barnham and the wider Arun area reflect the strength of the local business community and its commitment to supporting families and young people.
Businesses, organisations, or community groups interested in supporting Children Reading for Life or creating their own collective sponsorship initiative can contact: [email protected]
