The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity dedicated to raising literacy levels in the UK and giving children and young people from disadvantaged communities the literacy skills to succeed in life.

One person in six in England lives with poor literacy, which impacts not only their economic situation but also their confidence, employability, family life and health. A child with poor literacy won’t be able to fully succeed at school, as a young adult they will be locked out of the job market and as a parent they will struggle to support their own child’s learning.

Research shows that one of the most effective ways of helping children to reach their full potential is to promote reading for pleasure. Children who read for pleasure do significantly better at school than their peers and have higher levels of mental wellbeing. Children who have books of their own are significantly more likely to read above the level expected of their age than those who do not. However, 1 in 8 disadvantaged children in the UK don’t own a single book. 

Since 1993, the National Literacy Trust has been motivating children and young people in areas of disadvantage to read for pleasure. The charity works to increase levels of book ownership in areas most in need, engaging children in creative, reading-related events that promote book choice and help children to become lifelong readers.

The National Literacy Trust relies on the generous support of individuals, communities and businesses to continue its vital work to transform lives through literacy and book ownership. If you’re able to fundraise for the National Literacy Trust with an in-store collection tin, please contact emily.barton@literacytrust.org.uk who will send you a tin and information on how to use it. 

Find out more about the charity, catch up with the latest literacy news, download free resources and more at literacytrust.org.uk.