In partnership with the Jersey Evening Post, we have launched the Big Jersey Read, a new island-wide campaign marking the charity’s 10th anniversary. 

Inspired by Get Britain Reading, launched by The Times, the Big Jersey Read invites individuals, families, schools, businesses, and community groups across the island to take simple but meaningful action to help ensure every child in Jersey has access to books and positive reading experiences.

At the heart of the Big Jersey Read are four key ways to get involved:

  • Pledge to read for 10 minutes every day, helping to build positive and lasting reading habits at any age
  • Donate funds or books via the Every Child Our Future website or Amazon book wishlist, helping children access books at home
  • Volunteer with Every Child Our Future, supporting programmes that help children and families thrive
  • Pledge to host a reading-related activity, such as a lunchtime reading hour at your workplace, a family reading session, a school or community book swap, or any other creative way to celebrate reading

Research consistently shows that reading for pleasure plays a vital role in improving children’s educational outcomes, confidence, and wellbeing. By encouraging small daily habits, alongside practical support through donations, volunteering, and community-led events, the Big Jersey Read aims to create a lasting, island-wide culture of reading.

Cris Lakeman, CEO at Every Child Our Future, said:

“As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, the Big Jersey Read is our invitation to the whole island to come together around something simple but transformative: reading. Ten minutes a day can change a child’s relationship with books. By pledging, donating, volunteering, or hosting reading activities, islanders can play a direct role in shaping brighter futures for children across Jersey.”

Islanders are encouraged to visit the Every Child Our Future website and complete the Big Jersey Read pledge form, letting the charity know how they will support the initiative, whether by reading daily, hosting an event, fundraising, donating books, or volunteering their time.

The Big Jersey Read is supported by a wide range of activity running throughout the year, including the Children’s Choice schools project, the Big Book Giveaway, Little Libraries, Coffee & Chapters, the Ten for Ten monthly giving campaign, and much more. Full details of these initiatives, along with ways to get involved, can be found on the Every Child Our Future website.

Together, the Big Jersey Read aims to ensure that reading is celebrated, accessible, and at the heart of every child’s future in Jersey.

 

Find out more and submit your pledge here: The Big Jersey Read