WHO ARE FRIENDS OF SCRIPT HAVEN?

Friends of Script Haven (FoSH) is a charity established to encourage the development of a creative community in Worcestershire, especially among young people and local community groups.

Our work seeks to see more people begin to appreciate the importance of their local libraries and book shops, introducing new books and the enjoyment of reading for pleasure.

We are primarily responsible for the behind the scenes work for Curious Minds, Worcester’s dedicated children’s literary festival, and Alchemy of Words, Worcester’s newest summer literary festival. We help Script Haven, Worcester’s independent bookshop and event hub to manage and run their varied events programme throughout the year, connecting community with creativity.

In essence, we are changing lives through both the written and spoken word.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

As with so many groups, funding is a challenge. Both the Arts Council and National Lottery are receiving increasing applications for funds from a diminishing pot. Sadly, in this commercial society, money is a necessity. Our primary funding aims for the remainder of 2025 are:

• a replacement freezer and fridge for Script Haven’s shop (£400 & £250 = £650)
• Christmas book hampers for 5 x local primary schools and 3 x local secondary schools (£30/hamper = £240)
• 50 funded spaces for students to attend relevant author events (£5/ticket = £250)

For 2026 we are aiming to fund:

• author visits to secondary schools throughout the county for Curious Minds Literary Festival (70 schools – 3 days – 1 author/day = 210 visits @ £50/visit = £10,500)
• 200 book and stationery bags for children attending Curious Minds (£20/bag = £4,000)
• 50 student and 50 adult funded spaces to attend author events (£5/ticket = £500)

2025 aims £1,140

2026 aims £15,000

Are these optimistic targets? Absolutely, but the closer we can get to realising just some of them, the more we can help enhance the quality of the creative culture within the community (and if you don’t ask……)

We also appreciate that financial times are difficult for many. Even if you can’t afford to support our work in monetary terms you can still help – every conversation or share on social media really helps spread the news about our work. Every volunteer who steps forward and gives time at our events has immense value.

If you wish to donate, you can do so via our website here: https://scripthaven.co.uk/friends-of-script-haven/

If you’d like to offer time or find out more how you can help in other ways, get in touch by emailing friendsofscript@gmail.com