Boots Opticians in Bradford is offering a free book for every child who receives an eye check during the summer holidays in support of the Bradford Literacy Campaign, highlighting the links between eye health and literacy.
Children visiting Boots Opticians in Darley Street, Bradford, will get to pick up a free book from the mini-library the practice has set as part of its partnership with the National Literacy Trust, the charity behind the Bradford Literacy Campaign.
Sally Allatt, Practice Manager, Boots Opticians Bradford said:
“Our aim is to enrich the life of every person, and as part of this, we strongly believe that the optical profession has a big role to play in supporting young people in their education and literacy. Poor eyesight can cause a child to disengage from learning, so we want to help to pick up any possible defects as early as possible through the strong links that the National Literacy Trust has with schools in our local area. Our mini-library is about bringing to life the joy of reading, so we can’t wait to work with Bradford’s schools to share our passion for books and raise awareness of the importance of eye health.”
Imran Hafeez, Manager of the National Literacy Trust Hub in Bradford said:
“To be visible in such an established business in the city is a fantastic opportunity for the Bradford Literacy Campaign to reach more families and raise literacy levels. It’s been wonderful to see such enthusiasm from the staff at Boots Opticians who really want to make a difference in their community and I’m sure the volunteers will do a fantastic job of inspiring children in Bradford’s schools to read more for enjoyment and to learn about their eye health.”
Known locally as the Bradford Literacy Campaign, the National Literacy Trust Hub in Bradford enables public services to work together in new ways with private and voluntary sector organisations to provide literacy support to specific target audiences as well as the wider community.
In September, volunteers from Boots Opticians will visit primary schools to encourage children to read for enjoyment and learn about the importance of eye health during assemblies and story times. There will also be fundraising tins and activities to support the National Literacy Trust in Boots Opticians practices across the country.