A children's charity, Children Today, has launched a crowdfunding initiative for an inclusive literature project for children across Cheshire.
Based between Chester and Ellesmere Port, the charity aims to boost knowledge of disability and neurodiversity, while also celebrating inclusivity and diversity.
The initiative comes from Children Today's successful inclusive storytelling efforts earlier this year.
Now with their sights set higher, they plan to expand their efforts and bring this inclusive literature to even more children throughout the region.
Emma Prescott, charity director at Children Today said: "Up to 15-20 per cent of children in the UK are neurodivergent, and 11per cent have a physical disability, but these young people are significantly underrepresented in children’s literature.
"I must admit there have been improvements in representation in recent years, but still only an estimated 3.4 per cent of children's books feature a main character with a disability.
“It’s crucial for children to read about and see disabled and neurodivergent characters.
"Such representation ensures that disabled children feel included, heard, and inspired, while non-disabled children are encouraged to understand and embrace diversity.
“Reading is the bedrock of all learning for children, and it’s our mission to raise awareness of disability and neurodiversity amongst young people and foster an inclusive environment through the power of storytelling."
Earlier this year, during National Storytelling Week, the charity launched the initiative with six online sessions with authors worldwide, including two-time Paralympic medallist, Danielle Brown MBE.
These sessions invited kids to engage in live online book readings and Q&A discussions throughout the week.
More than 5,500 young participants joined from various areas like Chester, Ellesmere Port, Delamere, and Northwich.
Ms Brown said: "People often talk about losing themselves in a story, but I think that it's important to find yourself.
"It's important to be able to see yourself reflected in the pages of a book, but for far too long disability has been underrepresented and misrepresented.
"Working with brilliant charities, like Children Today, who prioritise inclusion and help level the playing field for disabled children is the perfect fit.
"This helps make inclusive content more accessible and drives important conversations."
Now, Children Today is planning to extend their project—delivering even more inclusive stories written by authors who have personal experience of disability and featuring disabled and neurodivergent characters to even more children throughout Cheshire.
The charity are hoping to double donations raised through match funding from the Cheshire West Community Innovation Fund.
The crowdfunding campaign will run until October 15.
Ms Prescott added: "We’re incredibly excited to be building on the success of our previous event and already have some fantastic authors lined up, with more to be confirmed, as well as collaborating with the Cheshire Education Library Service team and Cheshire West libraries to deliver another exciting programme of events.
“To achieve our goal and make this project happen, we need a minimum of 20 backers by the first assessment panel on the 9th of September.
"So, if you’re passionate about inspiring young people, reading and creating a more inclusive world for our children, please consider making a donation.
"As little as just £2 could make a difference and help bring this incredible project to life. Thank you!"
To make a donation visit https://www.spacehive.com/reading-for-life.
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