Suzy Dyter, Head Teacher at St Peters Junior School said: “This is a wonderful gesture from LiveWest and it is perfect timing as we are just revamping our library to create a fantastic, engaging space. We will be able to celebrate with lots of new books. We are going to ask the children who their favourite authors are and involve them in choosing the books. We will be ordering from the local independent shop so that the money stays in the local community, and we will be able to go down with a group of children to collect them”
Naomi Bridges, Reading Lead at St Peters Junior School said: “We are aiming to build a love of reading and new quality books for the children to enjoy are a great way to encourage this and a lot of children in the local area will benefit.”
Alison Knight, Community Connector at LiveWest said: “It was lovely to go and present these book vouchers to St Peters Junior School and see their attractive library space. Reading underpins nearly all learning and it is great to have an opportunity to support this local school.”
“We understand the importance of children being able to read and wanted to play a part in addressing the issue where lack of school funding can be a barrier to some children getting new books. As a leading housing association, LiveWest can make a real difference to families and the community who have been hit hard by the impact of lockdowns, rising living costs and impacts to education.”
“Giving back to our communities is a vital part of the work we do and we are absolutely delighted to be able to provide the book vouchers to schools in our communities where we have homes which will make a positive difference to the children.”
With an increase in living costs LiveWest has stepped in to help customers in crisis by issuing more than 1,400 crisis and hardship grants to households across the South West, totaling more than £300,000 as well as £112,000 in grants for community spaces and digital inclusion.
Helen Thomas Grants Officer from LiveWest added: “Through a combined approach, including our Tenancy Sustainment team, working with community organisations and other partners and agencies, we are able to help customers ensure they are accessing longer term support.”
During the Covid19 pandemic the housing provider also issued £32,000 to schools to allow them to buy much-needed IT equipment and donated refurbished laptops.