Stephen Fry has become a patron of a charity which works with people made vulnerable by childhood trauma.
The Mulberry Bush is a national charity, based in Standlake, offering specialist therapeutic services and education as well as outreach programmes.
Mr Fry said: “I’m proud to be involved with an organisation whose work has such a positive and lasting impact on the lives of all those affected by childhood trauma.
"The expertise, dedication and kindness offered by The Mulberry Bush is making a real difference to the lives of children, their families and support networks both at The Mulberry Bush School and more widely through the charity’s Outreach and Research services.”
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Mr Fry took part in an interview with the charity's Sam Meredith-Horne last year where he explored the importance of reading and escapism and the benefits to children’s mental health.
In a warm and friendly conversation, the actor and author introduced some of his favourite Greek myths, gods and goddesses and explored his writing process and the superstitions of writers.
He also talked about his own childhood and the magical escapism that stories and reading can offer, as well as how it can help children grow confidence in the world and their understanding of it.
“It’s very easy when you’ve been treated badly as a youngster to think the world is for other people, and reading is a wonderful way out of that,” he said.
“I believe we’re in this world for a really short time... so you’ve only got one shot at marvelling at all of the beautiful and extraordinary things there are in nature and in human nature and in the stories we tell.”
In February the Mulberry Bush School, on Abingdon Road, matched its previous Ofsted inspection rating of outstanding.
The school was rated outstanding in all areas.
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The report noted that both “teachers and other staff work “exceptionally well together” to give pupils opportunities for success.
It added: “The school’s stability helps pupils to achieve exceptionally well from their starting points, which are well below those expected for their age.
“The school is an outstandingly safe environment within which pupils learn and thrive supported by the care, patience and encouragement of the staff.”
John Diamond, CEO of The Mulberry Bush, said: “We are honoured to have Stephen involved in support of our charitable work to meet the needs of all those made vulnerable by childhood trauma”.
Stephen Fry's interview can be found at https://mulberrybush.org.uk/stephen-fry-video/
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