St Patrick’s Academy pupils take up the Read It challenge for charity

Schools in Northern Ireland are being asked to take part in the Praxis Care Sponsored Read It! The campaign is running from October 1-31 in line with Children’s Book Week and World Mental Health Day.

Praxis Care’s Sponsored Read It! in 2011 was a fantastic success and was supported by 13 schools and 1,400 children who raised over £13,000. The Praxis Care Sponsored Read It! brought benefits to pupils and schools as it encouraged pupils to read books, increased literacy skills while raising awareness of the importance of looking after your mental health.

Praxis Care is the largest Northern Ireland charity providing care for nearly 1,500 vulnerable children and adults affected by mental ill-health, learning disability, acquired brain injury and dementia.

The charity works across Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, England and the Isle of Man.

Mrs O’Neill, teacher at St Patrick’s Academy said: “The pupils and staff at St Patrick’s Academy are delighted to be supporting the Praxis Care Sponsored Read It.”

Geraldine Andrews, Fundraising Officer, Praxis Care commented: “The Praxis Care Sponsored Read It! will not only encourage the pupils to read books but will help to raise vital funds for Praxis Care within the local area. Praxis Care is delighted that 18 schools throughout Northern Ireland are taking part in the campaign.

Reading is beneficial for both children and adults as it helps them to learn and provides a form of relaxation and escapism.”

If you want to know more about the Praxis Care Sponsored Read It! visit www.praxiscare.org.uk