A CAMPAIGNER will once again look to deliver free books to disadvantaged families this Christmas to help combat the impact of the cost of living crisis on their finances.

Keep Colchester Reading was first started up in 2020 by Colchester councillor Lee Scordis with the aim of encouraging more people to read over the festive season.

The inaugural charity effort was a huge success, with more than 2,500 books delivered to both children and adults in the city.

Mr Scordis has now decided to bring back the scheme in response to the financial struggles placed on families in Colchester during this winter.

He said: “With the cost of living crisis we know thousands of families will be struggling and we are here to help, offering books free of charge for the whole family.

"The aim of the project is to provide books to low-income families and encourage the whole family to read, completely free of charge.

“Reading helps improve speech and communication, which in turn increases confidence. 

“With a tough winter ahead this project aims to get the whole family reading.  It's also open to just adults who may be going through a tough time. "

Mr Scordis was inspired to start the initiative after feeling the literacy needs of children in the area were being neglected.

Since then Essex County Council has launched its Essex Year of Reading campaign to encourage more youngsters to pick-up a book.

"In 2020 we managed to deliver over 2,500 books to over 250 families,” added Mr Scordis.

The benefits of reading are well known. Children who grow up in a household with books outperform those who do not in later life - reading also improves cognitive skills, mental health and speech.  

“Reading is absolutely vital for a child's progression, but more importantly children mimic their parents.

“If their parents are reading then so will the children, that is why we provide books for the whole family."

Anyone who is interested in donating books to the cause or would like to receive a free paperback should leescordis@aol.com or call 07947541573.

To sign-up for free books visit tinyurl.com/wyzp6naj.