A storytelling seagull is leading a new campaign to boost children’s communication skills.
The Lighthouse Family Centre in Medway Road, Worcester, has launched the initiative with directors Clare Dalton and Lucy Fry, along with volunteer Melanie Eastwood, who also takes on the role of “Steven Seagull.”
The centre, a community interest company, offers full day care facilities and focuses on supporting family well-being and enhancing communication and language skills in young children.
Steven Seagull hosts monthly story sessions, encouraging families to enjoy free storytelling, snacks, and fun.
Directors Clare Dalton, Lucy Fry and volunteer Melanie Eastwood have launched the Steven Seagull reading campaign for children (Image: Lighthouse Family Centre CIC)
These sessions are designed to be interactive, with children and adults encouraged to join in, ask questions, and create their own adventures.
Steven Seagull also shares stories online to reach more children.
The campaign comes at a time when, according to the National Literacy Trust, reading for pleasure is at its lowest level in 20 years.
This decline affects children’s vocabulary, listening skills, and communication abilities, which are essential for future learning.
The Lighthouse Family Centre emphasises the importance of early exposure to language and stories, stating that every word and story shared helps children engage with the world around them.
The centre is seeking new venues to host reading sessions and partners to help raise awareness of the importance of reading for pleasure.
The Lighthouse Family Centre believes that shared stories strengthen community spirit and ensure every child feels supported and inspired.
The centre is asking those who wish to support the mission or offer a space for reading to contact them.