Tameside Loves Reading... People Like Me

A new reading resource is now available for families in Tameside to enjoy.

The book - titled ‘People Like Me’ - is the result of last year’s Story Makers project run by Tameside Libraries and the Community Safety Partnership, and links to work earlier this month around Hate Crime Awareness Week.

Story Makers are weekly storytelling sessions for pre-school children as part of the Tameside Loves Reading campaign. Last year, the theme was ‘People like Me’ - aiming to highlight and celebrate the many groups that make up Tameside’s community.

Alongside children’s author Caryl Hart and illustrator Andy Rowlands, Tameside families attended creative sessions to help write the book, which features a number of recognisable Tameside landmarks.

The sessions focussed on celebrating people’s differences and the importance of always being kind. Watch a video of the project below... 

Hard copies of the ‘People Like Me’ book have now been made available for collection from any Tameside library. These will be available for free to Tameside families who are already members, or who join Tameside Libraries, whilst stocks last. Find a library and check opening times here.

Due to popular demand, Tameside Libraries have brought back Story Makers sessions for a fourth time. The new theme is ‘Be Kind’ and everything is being digitally delivered via Zoom.

Families who take part will again have the opportunity to work with Caryl and Andy to create a children’s picture book of which they’ll receive a complimentary copy when the project concludes.

People can join the free sessions at any time. To book a place, call 0161 343 7824 or email book.start@tameside.gov.uk

The times are:

Tuesdays 10am to 10.30am and 1.30pm to 2pm

Wednesdays 10am to 10.30am and 1.30pm to 2.30pm

Cllr Leanne Feeley, Tameside Council’s executive member for lifelong learning, said: “I’m thrilled to see the amazing result of the Storymakers project last year! Reading is so incredibly important for younger children and this is a great opportunity for families to get involved in whilst learning and focussing on such positive messages.”

“This year’s project is set to be just as fun and fantastic, especially during the tough times we have all faced recently.”

Cllr Allison Gwynne, Tameside Council’s executive member with responsibility for Tameside Community Safety Partnership, which funded the programme, added: “The Storymakers project is absolutely brilliant in doing so much to instil such important values, in particular teaching all to work together, be kind and celebrate people’s differences.”

“People Like Me is a brilliant and hugely positive resource for the families of Tameside!”