Young carers in North Tyneside gifted reading packs ahead of Christmas holidays

North Tyneside Carers have been gifted more than 40 reading packs from North Tyneside’s library service to encourage young carers to read this Christmas.

Reading is known to help with relaxation and learning among many things and this Christmas North Tynesides library service are gifting the joy of reading to young carers in the borough.

42 reading packs have been donated for young carers of various ages, with each including a free book, information about joining their local library and how to use the borrow box scheme.

Designed to encourage the young people to take part in the Winter mini reading challenge, the packs have been distributed through North Tyneside Carers Centre in North Shields.

At the end of the challenge, the carers centre has also been donated medals to hand out to those who take part.

Speaking of the donations, North Tyneside Carers’ Centre said: “We’re delighted to receive reading packs from North Tyneside Library services. Over 40 young carers will benefit from receiving a new book for them to read and enjoy. Young Carers have busy lives supporting their loved ones and by given them the opportunity of a book to read will give them respite from their caring role.”

Cllr Steven Phillips, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Learning, said: “Reading has many benefits for all of us, and for young people in particular it can help to grow their imagination, develop their vocabulary, and develop healthy habits for relaxation.

“I’m delighted that this donation from our libraries to young carers will encourage them to take up reading. We know they may face challenges every day and we want to support them in any way we can, and access to books and reading will support them to take time to themselves to relax and rest, while also having fantastic educational benefits.”

The Winter Reading Challenge is a national scheme run by the Reading Agency and the challenge is to keep young people reading over the Christmas holiday. This year’s theme is ‘Gadgeteers’ and participants are encouraged to sign up to read three books, but they can set their own targets. Once the challenge is completed, they receive digital rewards.

Anyone can take part in the challenge by signing up here: https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/join-in