[Source: West Suffolk Council]
Haverhill families are invited to join a digital story trail through East Town Park, thanks to a collaboration between Get Suffolk Reading and West Suffolk Council.
Eight QR codes have been installed around this popular Haverhill park, with each sharing part of a story about how Link the Lizard looks after their wellbeing. A story area is also being created in one of the clearings opposite Sandra’s Meadow, complete with a story telling chair. The idea is that this can be used by community groups and schools, encouraging literacy and reading. The initiative is being supported with locality budget funding from West Suffolk councillors Tony Brown and Jason Crooks.
There are also activities to encourage conversation and creativity as families walk to the next stop.
The first story to be featured has been created by local Literacy Champions in Haverhill and gives advice about how to improve wellbeing and keep happy.
Get Suffolk Reading will be changing the story behind the QR codes at different points through the year, meaning the trail can be repeated with different tales and activities to experience.
Families can download the story trail map on the Get Suffolk Reading website and keep up to date with local activities on the Get Suffolk Reading Facebook page.
Suzanne Stevenson, Get Suffolk Reading Project Manager for Haverhill, said:
“We’re excited to bring a new story trail to the Haverhill community that can be enjoyed whenever families visit East Town Park.
“This first story has been a wonderful team effort, with the story coming from a community workshop and the illustrations from pupils at Place Farm Primary, St Felix Primary and local families.
“I think everyone will love joining Link on their quest to learn ways to keep happy, calm and well.”
Cllr Brown who represents the Haverhill South East ward and Cllr Crooks who represent the Haverhill South ward, said:
“This is a great community collaboration, designed to encourage families to go out and explore the local park together, helping with their health and wellbeing as well as boosting their reading skills. It is a fantastic initiative that we think will not only benefit the local community, but also has the potential to grow in other parts of the town and West Suffolk, and we are delighted to be able to support it.”
Get Suffolk Reading is a campaign led by the National Literacy Trust in partnership with Suffolk County Council that encourages families to read together to improve wellbeing and aspiration in young children. For more information visit getsuffolkreading.org.uk.
