ABC to read has been selected as one of the Mayor of Reading’s chosen charities for the 2026/27 civic year. The charity, which provides volunteer reading mentors to primary school children across Berkshire, was named alongside Refugee Support Group and Sport in Mind by the newly appointed Mayor, Councillor Paul Gittings. The announcement came as Councillor Gittings took office at the council’s Annual Meeting on 27 May 2026.
The Reading Borough Council website confirms the three charities will share the Mayor’s fundraising focus throughout his term. ABC to read trains volunteers to work one-to-one with children who struggle with reading, helping to build not only their literacy but also their confidence and communication skills. The award-winning charity, founded in 2004, has previously been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Around 160 volunteers currently support 500 children each week in roughly 100 schools across Berkshire. Teachers regularly report that the mentoring leads to better classroom engagement and self-esteem among the pupils who take part. The charity’s selection highlights ongoing efforts to tackle literacy challenges in the area, with the Mayor’s backing expected to raise awareness and much-needed funds.
Councillor Paul Gittings, a Labour councillor since 2002, previously served as Lead Councillor for Adult Social Care. His mayoral year will now see him championing causes that support children, refugees, and mental health through sport.
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