How Businesses Can Celebrate the National Year of Reading by Supporting ARCh Assisted Reading for Children Oxfordshire

How Businesses Can Celebrate the National Year of Reading by Supporting ARCh Assisted Reading for Children Oxfordshire

by Emma Orton, ARCh Oxfordshire

The National Year of Reading is a perfect opportunity for businesses to make a meaningful difference in their communities while championing reading, learning, and opportunities for young people. For organisations across Oxfordshire, partnering with ARCh offers a practical and rewarding way to support children who need help to boost their reading, confidence and wellbeing.

ARCh is an award-winning Oxfordshire charity dedicated to helping children develop a love of reading through one-to-one mentoring and support. By working with ARCh during the National Year of Reading, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to social impact, employee wellbeing, and community engagement.

Why Reading Matters

Reading is the gateway to accessing the curriculum and opening the door to a love of learning, yet many children struggle with reading for a variety of reasons, and early support can make a lasting difference. ARCh works in primary schools so that we can intervene early and support children so that they are well prepared for secondary school and beyond.

Businesses have an important role to play in helping children in their local communities thrive. Supporting reading initiatives sends a clear message that your organisation values education, equality, and future opportunity.

Two Great Ways Businesses Can Get Involved

Join our  Employee Volunteering Scheme

One of the most direct ways to support ARCh is through the Employee Volunteering Scheme. This gives staff the chance to volunteer their time helping children improve their reading skills and confidence.

All it takes is one hour a week during the work day- staff are given one hour to go into a local primary school and support 2 children in 2 30 minute one-to-one reading sessions.

Benefits for businesses include:

• Meaningful volunteering opportunities for employees
• Improved staff morale and engagement
• Stronger team culture through shared purpose
• Demonstrable social value and community impact
• Positive local reputation

Employees often find volunteering deeply rewarding, knowing they are helping a child gain confidence and enjoyment in reading.

Support Through Fundraising and Donations

Businesses can also celebrate the National Year of Reading by raising vital funds and donating resources to support ARCh’s work.

Ideas include:

Fundraising Events

• Charity book sales in the workplace
• Sponsored reading challenges
• Quiz nights or board game evenings
• Bake sales with a reading theme
• Dress as your favourite book character day

Donations

• Financial donations to support mentoring programmes
• New or quality pre-loved books
• Board games and educational games
• Raffle prizes for fundraising events
• Office match-funding for employee fundraising efforts

Team Challenges

Encourage departments to compete in friendly fundraising activities such as:

• Most books donated
• Highest reading challenge total
• Best themed event
• Largest team fundraiser

Why Partner with ARCh?

Supporting ARCh allows businesses to invest directly in Oxfordshire children and families. Every contribution helps create brighter futures through literacy and confidence-building.

By getting involved, your business can:

• Strengthen corporate social responsibility goals
• Build stronger links with the local community
• Offer staff rewarding ways to give back
• Support children who need extra encouragement
• Celebrate the National Year of Reading with real impact

Make This Year Count

The National Year of Reading is more than a celebration, it is a genuine chance to take action and make a difference. Whether through employee volunteering, fundraising, donations, or creative events, your business can help local children discover the joy of reading.

Partner with ARCh and make a lasting difference across Oxfordshire this year.

Please see our website www.archoxfordshire.org.uk or email for more information.