Our work in Birmingham Children’s Hospital

We’ve been providing books and stories to Birmingham Children’s Hospital since 2010, when the whole idea of giving books to children in hospital was being tested to see if it would work. We shouldn’t have been in any doubt! From the very first book and storyteller visit, children and staff at Birmingham have loved our service.

When we first started out, Graham was our storyteller in Birmingham, and he has the incredible honour of being Read for Good’s first every storyteller. He entertained and delighted hundreds of children at Birmingham Children’s Hospital over the years, and also helped us grow our fantastic team of storytellers. Since then, we’ve delivered around 10,000 books to children in the hospital, alongside many hours of storytelling visits.

With Graham beginning his well-earned retirement, Michael, another of our highly experienced storytellers, has picked up the baton. Michael loves telling stories, whether in-person or virtually, meaning there’s never a dull moment with him around!

Whilst our work brings so much joy to children and young people, it has a huge impact on hospital staff and their parents too.

“I think of the bookcase as a force for good travelling around the hospital, making its own valuable contribution to the health and wellbeing of the children and families being treated at BCH.”

Secondary Teacher, Birmingham Children’s Hospital

“Our little boy’s eyes light up when we read him the great books provided. It provides a relief from the hospital environment, which can be difficult.”

Parent of a two-year-old patient, Birmingham Children’s Hospital