Dorset County Hospital brings the joy of reading to young patients in new fundraising initiative

Dorset County Hospital (DCH) has launched a new fundraising initiative to bring the joy of reading to children and young people during their hospital stay.

Operation Jackanory has been brought to life by the DCH Library and Transition to Adult Services teams in collaboration with Dorset Youth and Winstone’s Independent Bookshops to provide reading resources to children and young people.

Recognising that children and young people often have limited recreational activities as outpatients or visitors, Operation Jackanory aims to introduce the enjoyment of reading and books as a source of comfort and engagement and enhance patient experience.

All money donated will go directly towards buying exciting books for young readers and keeping the library filled with the latest titles. Children and young people will then have a selection of books to read in hospital.

To help reduce anxiety and break down barriers between patients and professionals, members of DCH staff have also been recorded reading stories. These short recordings will be made accessible via the DCH YouTube channel, allowing children to listen or watch storytelling by teams throughout the hospital.

Knowledge and Library Service Manager at DCH Morag Evans said: “Sadly, the number of children who never read for fun is on the rise in all age groups. Children aren’t seeing reading as a positive and enjoyable activity, and that’s where we are hoping Operation Jackanory can help change that.

“With the upcoming National Year of Reading in 2026, we believe this project presents a valuable opportunity to foster a lifelong enjoyment of reading and books among young people.

“If you feel inspired, any donation you can make would truly mean the world to us and to the young readers we hope to reach.”

The artwork for Operation Jackanory was designed by art student Daisy Wilkins.

The initiative has also been supported by the Dorset Local Alliance Group and Dorchester Rotary Club.

To donate, please visit Just Giving.