Our work in the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro

Read for Good has been providing books and stories to the Royal Cornwall Hospital since 2014. In Treliske, on the outskirts of Truro, the Royal Cornwall is the largest hospital in Cornwall, providing acute and specialist health care to children and families from many remote rural communities, who often find themselves a long way from home. The school team at the hospital, who look after Read for Good’s mobile bookcase and regularly deliver the books to the wards, tell us that our books provide much-needed relief and normality during difficult moments and are hugely appreciated.

The school staff love bringing stories to life to entertain the children as much as Read for Good storyteller Mike, often dressing up as well-known characters from books (see photo below)! During his storytelling sessions on the wards, Mike delights in helping children find a familiar favourite on the bookcase or choose a new story to dive into. He also draws on local Cornish legends to tell stories in the oral tradition, often providing musical interludes on his flute.

“My daughter and I have seen Mike in the hospital, and it’s had the effect of cheering her up and making her forget her troubles for a little while, which is a big thing for a child with a long term illness”

Parent of patient, Royal Cornwall Hospital