£280,000 lottery win boosts Grimm’s outreach work

CHILDREN’S literacy charity Grimm & Co has received a magical windfall to help continue its work with volunteers and families.

The pioneering apothecary and storytelling centre, which is between bases at the moment, has received £281,123 in National Lottery funding, which it will use first in the community before its new HQ opens next year.

The money will fund activities with younger children and families, addressing communication issues and low literacy levels at an earlier stage.

Grimm & Co founder Deborah Bullivant said: “We’re delighted that the National Lottery Community Fund has recognised our work in this way and supported this project to take place over the next three years.”

Three new staff members will be recruited to support the expansion.

In 2019, the charity announced its move from Doncaster Gate to the former Talbot Lane Methodist Church on Ship Hill.

The former place of worship is currently undergoing a £1.5 million transformation into a storytelling and learning centre with cafe, bookshop and gift shop.

While its doors have been shut over the past year, Grimm has taken its work into schools and communities as well as online, running a variety of activities for seven to 18-year-olds.

Story-making workshops have also been launched in the travelling immersive theatre space, The Everywherium.  

The charity hopes to open its new doors next September.