Support Feels Good For Craigmillar Literacy Trust

Bringing families with young children together is at the heart of Craigmillar Literacy Trust’s ‘Feel Good Friday’ sessions.

The Trust, which was established in 1998, works alongside babies, children, young people, parents and carers in Craigmillar, Niddrie, Bingham and Magdalene to develop communication and literacy skills through playful and creative activities using books, stories, rhymes, songs and crafts.

It also offers universal support through regular events in Craigmillar Library and other community settings, as well as targeted support (through Health Visitor and Speech and Language NHS referrals) including home visiting and book gifting.

Running this successful group requires lots of craft materials and books so the Trust applied to the Cameron Toll Community Fund for assistance and was awarded £250 to buy new books from Waterstones and £250 to spend on craft materials in WHSmith, both located in the shopping centre.

Katie Swann from the Craigmillar Literacy Trust said: “We’re really lucky to have a great partnership with Craigmillar Library and we use a room there for free and the £500 from the Cameron Toll Community Fund will resource the group for two terms. Parents and carers tell us how much the children enjoy the sessions and that the adults benefit too by making valuable friendships and connections.”

Claire Jefcoate, Centre Manager at Cameron Toll, said: “Encouraging children to be playful and creative at a young age really helps develop their communication and literacy skills in later life so we’re very happy to provide some additional support to the Trust for the benefit of the families based in our local community.”

To find out more about Craigmillar Literacy Trust visit:  https://craigmillarliteracytrust.org.uk

Groups and organisations interested in making an application to the Cameron Toll Shopping Centre Community Fund should visit www.camerontoll.co.uk/community-fund/ to download an application form.