The Power of Local Alliances

📷 Screenshot BBC Points West, BBC Gloucestershire

Debbie, Creative Catalyst for Culture Matson, shared this brilliant story that made it to BBC Points West: 'Read with Me and Hillside Primary in Matson Gloucester, are two of our Culture Matson alliance groups and beneficiaries of Sheepy Bank funding. Read with Me is doing amazing work across the County." 

And if you haven't heard of a Sheepy Bank, here is a little explainer: Create Glos has developed a robust practice for looking after pots of money - secured from public and private donors - to benefit a specific place or community. Expenditure from these banks is decided on equitably by the community it will benefit. Each group has named their own bank and Culture Matson has chosen 'Sheepy Bank'!

It was great to hear these words from Cannie James at Hillside School:

"Culture Matson has been a transformative force for Hillside, acting as a vital bridge between our pupils and the wider world. By providing unfettered access to high-quality creative opportunities, they haven’t just taught our students new skills—they’ve ignited a sense of self-belief and fueled their personal development. Their commitment to building meaningful community connections has ensured that our pupils feel seen, heard, and deeply rooted in the vibrant culture surrounding them. For me, as an educator, their partnership has been an invaluable source of inspiration and support, helping us turn community links into a gateway for lifelong discovery"

Watch the report here and be prepared to be inspired!
You can find out more about Read with Me and how to volunteer for them . 
Fnd out about more about Culture Matson and the work it enables here