“I believe that literacy can change lives”

July 9, 2024

I have always believed that reading and writing is the key to a better life. It certainly was for me, and for my parents before me. As a Sunday Times No.1 bestselling author, it is no surprise that I love reading and writing and love readers! What surprises me is that there are not more of us. That is, more people who know the joys and benefits of reading.

Reading for pleasure improves life chances; it leads to increased confidence, wellbeing and academic performance. Furthermore, reading improves empathy; it is a way to access different viewpoints and guides us towards a kinder life. As if that wasn’t engaging enough, reading is entertaining – just great fun! It can provide laugh out loud moments or pure escapism moments. 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 basically, reading is a purveyor of all the great E-additives, as I call them – education, empathy, entertainment and escapism.

I started working with the National Literacy Trust around 17 years ago. They asked me if I could help recruit volunteers. I was very impressed by their vision and approach and immediately got involved in more fundraising and awareness-raising events. My bravest was probably abseiling 35 floors in windy weather!

It was wonderful to find a community (because that’s what the National Literacy Trust is) that shares the same belief – that lives can be changed through reading and writing. I felt like I had joined a big ball of energy that is constantly rolling forward and doing good. The National Literacy Trust is practical, focused, professional and caring. For me, this charity was a no-brainer of all that I could support.

I’m from Teesside in the north east of England. I grew up just a few miles from Middlesbrough. I’m lucky that my parents always valued reading; books, comics, storytelling and libraries were an integral part of my childhood. However, in Teesside, that’s not necessarily the usual story. Middlesbrough has some of the biggest literacy problems in the country. Low literacy rates damage self-confidence and create unnecessary restrictions in a person’s life; it’s a vicious cycle that can trap families in poverty for generations. It breaks my heart to see people born where I was born miss out on the opportunities I was given.

That’s why I focus on the Middlesbrough site. We have several initiatives to encourage a love of reading. At James Cook University Hospital, the NLT encourages parents of premature babies to read to their babies. At a time of incredible stress and anxiety, parents can feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to help and bond with their baby. Reading can start right there.

The Middlesborough Hub also organises reading activities and helps fund libraries for children in nurseries and primary schools. Support is also offered during the teenage years. I often speak to teenagers who may be losing interest in books at a critical age when reading can help broaden their opportunities. Sometimes a conversation is all that is needed to highlight the doors that reading can open. I understand people from my home town, I know what limits them financially, emotionally and mentally because I am one of them. I am glad to be part of a team that can show people in the area a practical route to greater opportunity and happiness.

I was lucky enough to be invited to a garden party at Clarence House hosted by Her Majesty The Queen, a staunch advocate for literacy and Patron of the NLT. It was a moving occasion, celebrating volunteer Literacy Champions from across the UK for their work. The beauty of being a Literacy Champion is the freedom the National Literacy Trust gives you to devote as much or as little time as suits your lifestyle. There are a variety of ways you can get involved – from organising book swaps and community bookshelves, to hosting book clubs, supporting an existing event by raising funds, listening to someone read or teaching someone to read. The possibilities are as limitless as your imagination!

It doesn’t take much to help someone discover a love of reading. You could raise funds, start a reading group, or simply encourage your neighbors to explore their local library. It all adds up. I tell anyone who will listen that an educated, empathetic, and well-entertained population should be a national goal.

First Wife’s Shadow by Adele Parks (HQ HarperCollins) is now available