A Worthing business owner is helping to transform two local children's future by supporting a year-long reading programme designed to inspire a lifelong love of books.
Jon Whittall, Managing Director of TEC Container Solutions, has become one of the first business sponsors of Children Reading for Life, funding a Family Reading Programme that gives two local children and their families the opportunity to build confidence, literacy skills and a love of reading together.
The sponsorship comes as the UK Government continues to encourage parents to spend more time reading with their children, recognising the lasting impact it can have on language development, wellbeing and future opportunities. It is a message that sits at the heart of Children Reading for Life's work.
Jon's decision to support the initiative came from witnessing the magic of reading with his own nephew.
"Whenever my family reads with my nephew, I'm reminded just how captivating books can be for children," says Jon. "You can see their imagination come to life. That engagement I feel is something every child should have the chance to experience."
Through his sponsorship, two local families will receive tailored support over twelve months, including one-to-one sessions, read-aloud storytelling, book ownership, library visits and practical guidance for parents. The programme is designed not only to improve reading ability, but to help make books an enjoyable part of everyday family life.
Jon has a long-standing commitment to supporting the local community. Alongside his work with Children Reading for Life, he has supported charities including St Barnabas Hospice in Worthing and has previously donated his Worthing Rugby Club match fees to charity.
Reflecting on why he wanted to become involved, Jon says:
"This is about supporting the future of the community I grew up in. If we can help children build confidence and open up opportunities through reading, that's something worth investing in."
For Polly Atkinson, Founder of Children Reading for Life, partnerships with local businesses are playing an increasingly important role in helping more families access reading support.
"Jon's sponsorship is a fantastic example of how individuals and businesses can play a direct role in changing a child's life trajectory. Reading for pleasure is one of the most powerful indicators of future success, not just academically, but in terms of wellbeing, confidence and empathy.
With the Government now highlighting the importance of reading at home, this kind of support has never been more important. What Jon has done is take that message and turn it into a tangible impact."
Children Reading for Life was founded in 2024 to help families create positive reading habits that last a lifetime. Through one-to-one support, workshops and community initiatives, the organisation equips parents, carers and educators with the confidence and tools to make reading an enjoyable part of family life.
As national attention focuses once again on the importance of reading for pleasure, the charity is encouraging more Sussex businesses and individuals to follow Jon's example and invest in the next generation by sponsoring a family's reading journey.
