On Friday 9 February 2018, Victoria Prentis, Member of Parliament for North Oxfordshire visited Bicester-based charity, Assisted Reading for Children (ARCh) Oxfordshire. The visit provided an opportunity to meet those who run the charity and explore ways Victoria can support them with their work in schools going forward.
ARCh works in over 100 primary schools across Oxfordshire, helping hundreds of children to read every year. They recruit, train and support volunteers in primary schools, offering individual sessions with children. Within this, volunteers help to inspire young people through reading, games, drawing and writing stories, helping to boost their confidence.
During the meeting, Victoria and the ARCh team discussed ways in which she can help them as a charity and help to raise awareness of the work that they do.
Victoria commented: “My family and I are all obsessed with reading and books so it was great to visit ARCh and discuss the wonderful work that they do. It is clear that such support couldn’t be given without the dedication of their volunteers and I look forward to working with them to increase awareness.”
Elaine Adams, ARCh Development Manager added: “ARCh are always on the lookout for more volunteers especially in areas of greatest need such as Blackbird Leys, Cowley, Abingdon, Bicester and Banbury and we are particularly keen to link with any business who wish to connect with local school communities through our company volunteering scheme. For more information on getting involved, visit our website: www.archoxfordshire.org.uk/become-a-volunteer/.”