More than 2,500 books have been donated to families supported by Home-Start Scotland thanks to a national charity that has been bringing the benefits of reading and writing to people in Scotland for more than 21 years.

The generous donation from Scottish Book Trust will be shared among many of the 30 Home-Starts across Scotland.

Scottish Book Trust Bookbug and Read Write Count bags, will provide donation of picture books suitable for babies, toddlers and children up primary school age.

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust said: “Books have the power to change lives. A love of reading inspires creativity. There are many benefits to sharing stories, songs and rhymes with toddlers and pre-schoolers, it gives them the best start in life. We are delighted to support Home-Start Scotland and hope these books will support many families within our communities.”

The power of books

Marc added: “Research proves that reading for pleasure is central in helping to support wellbeing and mental health, positively impacting learners' attainment across the curriculum, sparking critical thinking, creativity, empathy and resilience.”

Christine Carlin, Director of Home-Start Scotland, said: “We are delighted to receive this wonderful donation from Scottish Book Trust. For parents, just a few minutes reading to their children gives them time to step back from the stress of everyday life and enjoy special time with their youngsters.

"Even just sitting closely together looking at a book feels special. For children reading books themselves, it creates a calm, quiet time to build explore and share how they feel, their thoughts and experiences. Reading opens up a world of endless possibilities!”

Home-Starts across Scotland support more than 3,000 families and around 6,000 children every year. It  supports the Scottish Government's Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) approach by bringing family support to the parents and carers who need it most because childhood can’t wait. 

Home-Start Scotland is a member of The Promise Scotland, which works with a range of organisations to support shifts in policy, practice and culture so Scotland can #KeepThePromise it made to care experienced infants, children, young people, adults and their families - that every child grows up loved, safe and respected, able to realise their full potential.

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