Other projects

The core of CDC’s programme is about working with writers in schools. However, over the years, we have also worked in a number of other settings, and outreach work continues to be an important part of our programme.

Shaftesbury Homes and Arethusa

In a project that spanned two years, we worked with a wide range of authors, poets and storytellers in children’s homes all over south London. The sessions aimed to increase confidence levels and access to books for some of the most at-risk youngsters in the city. Working in partnership with a children’s bookshop, the children also got to keep some of the authors’ books.

Wormwood Scrubs Prison

In this 2002 project, We worked closely with social workers and prison staff to change prisoners’ attitudes about books. Visits from authors and intenive work from staff provided the resources necessary for the culture change. The project finished with prisoners reading to their children when they received visits.

Lewisham Social Services

Partnering with the social services to work with children in care in Lewisham, the project saw performances and workshops from authors and storytellers. The visits culminated in the children receiving book tokens to sustain the interest stimulated by the event.

Royal Marsden Hospital

Working with infants who were terminally ill, we brought our Learning Together programme to the hospital. Through books and stories, complemented by games and songs, the children were transported beyond the hospital walls. The storyteller even put sessions on tape for the children after they went blind.