Service name: Doorstep Library Service
Service description
The Doorstep Library Network, funded by H&F is a volunteer service delivering home visiting library and reading to low-income families and children aged 1- 12 on several estates in Hammersmith & Fulham. Also runs reading activities and events in school holidays.
Funding until
30 September 2023
Annual funding level
£32,000
In the past year
In 2020, the service was:
Sharing stories in homes via video stories recorded by volunteers
Providing interactive online reading sessions between volunteers and families for some high-need families
Organising book swaps on doorsteps for the autumn term to provide access to books
Providing regular emailed signposting for families between April and September (educational and fun child activities, support for parents, financial support, foodbanks, mental health support)
Number of residents supported
250
Use of volunteers
The service’s 30 volunteers delivered 500 hours of work. This is the equivalent to £5,425, if the London Living Wage is applied to the volunteering hours.
Outcomes being achieved
Parents engage with reading sessions
Children receive reading support
“at risk” families can be identified and signposted to supportive services and charities
Low income households receive more support
Children have the opportunity to access holiday events
Free books are provided for children from low income households
Funding raised
£500,000 (approximately)
Future plans
Roll-out of Online Story Corner, a new service offering online zoom sessions for all supported families. This entails volunteers and families meeting online once a week, to share stories and engage around books
Group reading sessions for 0-5’s
Books swapped on doorsteps or posted to children to ensure access
From the spring term 2021, Doorstep Library will be rolling out online sessions for new families, working with schools and other third sector partners to obtain more referrals to the service, benefitting many more children at a quicker pace, and support efforts to bridge the widening attainment gap