London literacy organisation Reading Bridge CIC secures building materials support

We're pleased to announce Richmond-based organisation Reading Bridge CIC as a runner-up in our 2026 Community Heroes initiative, recognising the charity’s dedication and positive impact on literacy across the UK.

Battling against more than 300 other applicants during April, the charity was selected by a panel of judges including TV tradesperson Rob Bent, who launched the campaign with us in March this year, after research found that half* (48%) of Brits say community spaces have disappeared in their neighbourhoods.

Reading Bridge CIC is an organisation which aims to help children discover the joy that reading can bring whilst trying to close the literacy gap in the UK. They work nationally to identify schools in disadvantaged areas, to remove barriers to reading and to get books into the hands of children who need them most.

Thanks to the win, Reading Bridge CIC has secured £1,000 to spend in its local store which will be used to purchase the paint, shelving and storage spaces necessary to create corners and library spaces in schools that currently don’t have dedicated spaces for reading. This funding will enable children to find a comfortable environment to fall in love with literature and to develop their knowledge.

Avni Vyas, Director at Reading Bridge CIC, said: “Being named a Selco Community Heroes runner-up is a wonderful recognition of everything Reading Bridge CIC stands for. At a time when children’s reading is at a 20-year low, every bookshelf we build and every book we gift brings us closer to a world where every child discovers the joy of reading. This prize will help us do exactly that.”

Now in its sixth year – and with a bigger prize fund than ever before at £62,000 – the Selco Community Heroes initiative is designed to benefit small community projects that are building brighter futures for their local areas.

Simon Humpage, Head of Multichannel Marketing, said “We are passionate about supporting organisations that create lasting positive change on a local level, and we’re delighted to recognise Reading Bridge CIC as one of our Community Heroes.

“It will be incredibly inspiring to see Selco materials transformed into welcoming spaces for children to learn and grow, whilst developing love for reading, helping to shape brighter opportunities for the next generation."

Local charities and community projects are encouraged to find out more about Community Heroes and apply online.

Reading Bridge CIC are currently raising funds to get a brand-new book into the hands of every child attending a state primary school in the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham.