Community projects

Communication as a life skill

In the community

Chatter Matters DVD Pack

Chatterbox Challenge Events

Ready Steady Talk pre-school activity pack


Communication as a life skill

"Communication is a vital life skill, but according to recent reports many children starting school lack even the most basic communications skills. In Openreach we have the network, the connections and the physical presence that puts us in touch with families all across the UK. It makes us the ideal partner to help I CAN reach the friends and families of pre-school children all over the country. By supporting the programme each of us has the chance to change a child's future for the better". Liv Garfield, Chief Executive, Openreach

Our sponsorship and relationship with I CAN enables us to:

  • deliver material and messages to end users with pre-school children and local pre-school environments
  • reach into homes that have otherwise proved difficult for ICAN to reach and
  • help to make a difference to the future of all children across the UK

The programme also provides a central focus for fundraising activities of Openreach employees and encourages them to actively support the programme.

"Openreach aligns greatly with the work I CAN is doing. By working together, Openreach and I CAN have an opportunity to help more parents and carers equip pre-school children with the fundamental communication skills they need from their first day at school right through to the workplace and beyond.

By combining our expertise, resources, networks and channels, we will be able to reach out to more families and help make a real difference to the future of all children in the UK." Keith Sullivan, Communications Manager, Openreach


In the community

Openreach supports a nationwide Chatterbox Challenge event each year. We work together to produce and distribute the Chatter Matters resources, and helpto produce and distribute the Ready, Steady, Talk activity pack, both designed to help parents, grandparents and other carers give children the best possible start in life.


Chatter Matters DVD Pack

The DVD pack includes:

  • a DVD which can be watched alone or with other adults who care for pre-school children
  • an attractive set of wall charts that show the important stages of a child's communication
  • skill development contact details of key professional organisations
  • a karaoke section for the children to have a bit of fun!

More information about the DVD and how to order individual copies can be found on the I CAN website here.


Chatterbox Challenge Events

The annual Chatterbox Challenge is a fun way to engage pre-school children, early years professionals and families, to highlight the importance of communication development. Chatterbox Challenge events usually take place in February/March each year - and are primarily hosted by local nurseries, Early Learning Centres and pre-school groups.   Timing doesn't really matter though and you could even hold your own 'family' version of the event at home.

How to get your kids involved:
Anyone can host a Chatterbox Challenge event (you don’t have to run a nursery or play group).  Simply visit www.chatterboxchallenge.co.uk to find out more.


Ready Steady Talk pre-school activity pack

Following the success of the Chatters Matters DVD, Openreach and I CAN launched a new Chatter Matters activity pack.

Called Ready, Steady, Talk, the packs contains a wide range of activities for children between two and three years old.  Written by I CAN’s speech and language specialists, it includes advice for parents and carers and aims to prepare children for pre-school by focussing on developing listening and social skills. 

The packs are free to order – I CAN just ask that you pay postage and packaging. 

To order your copy visit the I CAN website

 Ready Steady Talk