News and Press
TLT receives award for "outstanding commitment" to Bristol schools

National law firm TLT has received an award from charity ABLAZE for “outstanding commitment" to primary schools local to its Bristol office for providing approximately 30 volunteers to help children improve their literacy skills. The award was presented on Monday 30th November by the Lord Mayor of Bristol and four senior representatives from sponsoring organisations to TLT associate Nicky Howarth, who organises and participates in the reading scheme.

TLT received the award for its participation in the ABLAZE scheme, which helps Bristol’s business community engage with schools to support children's learning and education. Overall, the scheme has benefited 5,500 young people in 110 schools across Bristol.

Senior management, solicitors and support staff at TLT attended weekly one-to-one reading sessions with pupils at primary schools in Lawrence Weston, in Bristol, for the course of the school year. Lawrence Weston was identified as an area with schools that have a large number of children who respond well to reading with an adult. The reading sessions aimed to boost the children’s confidence and to develop an enjoyment of reading independently.

Robert Bourns, Senior Partner at TLT says, “We are delighted to have received this award, which recognises our commitment to the learning scheme. Best of all, we hope the work of our volunteers contributes to a measurably higher attainment in literacy of those leaving primary school and helps.broaden experience and raise the aspirations of the children taking part. It is a really valuable scheme, providing benefits to all.”

Roger Opie, who leads ABLAZE, comments, “We are very impressed by the commitment of our business partners. Despite challenging economic times, the volunteer numbers have remained high and the volunteer hours have increased.”