Felixstowe port team helps children discover joy of reading

SCPHA is proud to sponsor Newsquest’s Born & Read in Suffolk campaign - a county-wide initiative designed to encourage early literacy, support families and inspire a lifelong love of books.

While many people may not realise it, SCPHA plays a vital role every day in ensuring controlled food imports entering the UK meet strict safety standards before they ever reach supermarket shelves.

Since 1899, the authority has been the frontline defender of public and animal health, carrying out essential border checks that protect both consumers and the wider food chain. But for the team, supporting the community goes far beyond the port gates.

Danielle Devonish, communications and marketing lead at SCPHA, said: “We’re proud to play a role not just in protecting public and animal health, but in supporting and connecting with our local community.

“SCPHA is excited to support the Born & Read in Suffolk campaign because it’s a fantastic way to give back while supporting early learning and development.

“Initiatives like this give us a great opportunity to step beyond our day-to-day work and make a positive impact in a different way. For us, it’s about investing in future generations, supporting families and playing a positive role in helping the local community thrive.”

That commitment to future generations is already at the heart of SCPHA’s work. As an Industry Partner with Suffolk New College, the authority helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience, giving students valuable insight into careers within port health and the wider logistics sector.

The SCPHA team is based at the Port of Felixstowe (Image: SCPHA)

The organisation also plays an important role in supporting local jobs and the economy by helping goods move safely and efficiently through the Port of Felixstowe – one of the UK’s busiest trade gateways.

In 2025, the SCPHA team was out in force at local school events, connecting with young people at the School Farm and Country Fair and showcasing its work at the ever-popular Suffolk Show.

This year, the authority plans to do even more, with additional school visits and a bigger presence at community events including the Suffolk Show.

These opportunities not only raise awareness of the important work port health does but also inspire young people to think about careers they may never have considered before.

And that is where reading comes in. Strong literacy and communication skills are essential for success in almost every career path. By supporting reading from an early age, SCPHA believes it is helping to build a stronger, more confident workforce for the future.

“Boosting literacy is just as important,” said Danielle. “Strong reading and communication skills help people access training, succeed in the workplace and adapt to a wide range of careers, including those within port health and the wider logistics sector.

“By championing literacy, we are helping to build a skilled, confident workforce, strengthening local employment and ensuring the region continues to thrive.

“Reading is a powerful tool that builds confidence, sparks imagination and creativity, and opens the door to new opportunities. Whether it’s a few minutes a day or sharing a story together, every little moment makes a difference.

“Our message is simple: get involved and enjoy it!”

For more information, visit porthealth.uk

(Image: Newsquest)

This story is published as part of Born & Read in Suffolk, a year-long initiative highlighting the importance of reading and writing, delivered in partnership with the National Centre for Writing and Suffolk Community Libraries, sponsored by Sizewell C and and Suffolk Coastal Port Health Authority, and supported by Ipswich Town Football Club. Follow the campaign throughout the year in our coverage and on social media using #BornAndRead2026 or get in touch at readingmatters@newsquest.co.uk