I have always believed that literacy is the key to a better life. It certainly was for me, and my parents before me. As a No. 1 Sunday Times bestseller, it’s no surprise to hear that I love reading and writing and I love readers! What surprises me, is that there aren’t more of us. More people who know the joys and benefits of reading, that is.
Reading for pleasure improves life chances; it leads to increased confidence, well-being and academic performance. In addition, reading improves empathy; it’s a way to access different points of view, moving us towards a kinder existence. As if that wasn’t compelling enough, reading is entertaining – just good fun! It can provide laugh-out-loud moments or some pure escapism. And, my goodness, don’t we all need that in our lives from time to time? Studies even show that reading improves mental health and reduces stress. So, reading is basically a provider of all the great e-additives as I call them – education, empathy, entertainment and escapism.
It was about 17 years ago when I first started working with National Literacy Trust. I was approached by them to ask if I could help with a volunteer recruitment drive. I was very impressed by their vision and approach so became involved in other fundraising and awareness raising events immediately; possibly my bravest being abseiling down 35 floors in windy conditions!
Finding a community (because that’s what the National Literacy Trust is) that has the same belief – that lives can be changed through literacy – was so wonderful. I felt I’d joined a big ball of energy that constantly rolls forwards, doing good. The National Literacy Trust is practical, focused, professional and caring. It was a no-brainer from me that out of all the charities I could throw my support behind, this was one of them.
I come from Teesside, Northeast England. I grew up just a few miles from Middlesbrough. I am lucky that my parents always valued reading. Books, comics, story-time and libraries were intrinsic to my childhood. However, that is not necessarily the usual story in Teesside. Middlesbrough has some of the biggest literacy challenges in the country. Low literacy levels dent confidence and create unnecessary limits on a person’s life; it’s a miserable cycle that can trap families in poverty for generations. It breaks my heart to see people born where I was, miss out on the opportunities I was given.
For that reason, I focus on the Middlesbrough hub. We have different initiatives to encourage the love of reading. In The James Cook University Hospital the NLT encourage parents of premature babies to read to their babies. At a time of incredible stress, and fear, parents can feel overwhelmed and unsure as to how they can help and bond with their baby. Reading can start right there.
The Middlesborough Hub also arranges reading activities and help fund libraries for children in nursery and primary schools. Support is given at the teen stage too. I often talk to teens who may be losing interest in books at a critical age when reading can help to broaden opportunities. Sometimes a chat is all that’s needed, pointing out the doors reading can open. I understand the people from my hometown, I know what limits them financially, emotionally, mentally, because I’m one of them. I’m happy to be part of a team that can highlight a practical path to increased opportunities and happiness for those in the region.
I was lucky enough to be invited to a Clarence House Garden Party, which was hosted by staunch literacy advocate and NLT Patron, Her Majesty The Queen. It was a moving occasion where Literacy Champion volunteers from across the UK were celebrated for their work. The beauty of being a Literacy Champion is the freedom that the National Literacy Trust gives you to commit as much or as little time as suits your lifestyle. There are a variety of ways you can contribute – this ranges from organising book swaps and community bookshelves, hosting book clubs, supporting an existing event through fundraising, listening to someone read or teaching someone to read. The opportunities are as limitless as your imagination!
It doesn’t take much to help someone find the love of reading. You might choose to fundraise or set up a reading group or simply encourage your neighbours to explore their local library. It all adds up. I tell anyone who will listen that an educated, empathetic and entertained population should be a national goal.
First Wife’s Shadow by Adele Parks (HQ HarperCollins) is out now
