Laing

John Laing Integrated Services organised the Hounslow Summer Reading Challenge. Hounslow Space Hop was part of a nationwide programme run by The Reading Agency to get children reading during the summer holidays. Hounslow Space Hop was picked as one of twenty pilot schemes to be designed and delivered by young volunteers aged 14-25, called Champions. These young volunteers were given a fantastic opportunity to gain experience in event management and the design and production of written media and attended a workshop to develop a media programme.

Hounslow’s Space Hop benefited from the support of several young graduates from Team Fit Together, a social enterprise in Hounslow. John Laing Integrated Services with the charity Fields in Trust helped establish Team Fit Together which has created 47 jobs for under 25 year olds who have been long-term unemployed.

Space Hop encourages children aged between 4 and 12 to read six books from their local library by giving stickers for each book read, as well as a certificate and medal on completion of the challenge. Attendance at local libraries increased and children and parents were encouraged to attend events at their libraries, from exciting science demonstrations, dance classes, storytelling and arts and crafts. The finale event was attended by over 100 people and the volunteers developed a magazine commemorating the 2010 Hounslow Space Hop.

The programme demonstrates our belief in education and the importance of reading whilst also promoting local services and community events. The involvement of young volunteers assisted the delivery of the summer reading challenge whilst also providing them with great learning experiences.

Following the success of the 2010 Hounslow Space Hop, John Laing will host another Reading Challenge programme in summer 2011, further developing ties with the local community for children in the borough whilst promoting reading.