Sharing Stories CIC

Sharing Stories CIC is a community interest company that formed from Bear Bookshop.  Our mission is to enable Sandwell children to develop a lifelong love of literature and reading through a programme of engaging, creative activities delivered in partnership with local practitioners, that will bring the magic of stories to those who experience more barriers to reading for pleasure. 

 We want to reach Sandwell children and their families, particularly those who experience barriers to reading for pleasure, creativity and the arts. We meet families every day in our bookshop, and know that people can feel excluded from arts and cultural activities. This project will bring together artists and creators with local families to help break down some of those barriers. We want to particularly reach those who may have low literacy levels and low incomes so that we can help to inspire them to experience the magic of books and all the benefits that reading can bring. We want to reach families who may not normally use an independent bookshop because of cost, and make sure that children have their own book to take home and enjoy.