National Literacy Trust’s Christmas Appeal

Giving the Gift of Reading with the
National Literacy Trust’s Christmas Appeal

The National Literacy Trust (NLT) has launched its Christmas appeal, asking for people to give disadvantaged children the gift of reading this year. Research carried out by the NLT shows that over 400,000 children in the UK who are eligible for free school meals do not own a book of their own at home, and are missing out on the benefits that reading for pleasure brings.

Books have the power to transform lives and boost the social, economic and academic prospects for children. As well as opening up opportunities for development and success throughout their lives, reading has been proven to benefit children’s mental health, wellbeing, self-esteem and confidence.

As is often the case, it is those children who are already from poorer communities who suffer most from this lack of books, which is why the work carried out by the NLT and their Christmas appeal is so important.

​Chief executive of the NLT, Jonathan Douglas, said: “No child should be denied the chance to own a book. This new research shows that at least 400,000 children may not have the privilege of owning their own book, and are missing out on a host of associated benefits, with children who have their own books significantly more likely to say that they enjoy reading and read every day. Children and young people who enjoy reading and who read frequently are better readers, helping them to realise their fullest potential at school and in life."

The NLT is dedicated to improving children’s literacy levels across the UK, aiming to increase standards of reading, writing, speaking and listening within the most disadvantaged communities. To do this, they work with schools, establish literacy projects in the poorest communities, and campaign for politicians and parents to prioritise literacy. The research and analysis carried out by the NLT is vital for supporting this work and marks them as the leading literacy authority in the UK. 

One of the NLT’s current literacy projects based in Green Bean’s home city of Manchester is the Hungry Little Minds project. The project’s aims are to provide chat, play and read activities to support families in creating a good home learning environment for their children.

The team work alongside partners within the local community including health visitors, children’s centres, nurseries, parenting teams and food banks to reach as many families and children across Greater Manchester as possible. To find out more about this project and how you can support or get involved, visit the Read Manchester website.

​Encouraging children to read for pleasure and to nurture a love of books is fundamental to our work at Green Bean Studios. Through our work with local communities across the UK and our partnerships with libraries, we have seen first-hand the positive impact that books and reading have on families and children, improving confidence and supporting lifelong learning. This Christmas appeal by the NLT is one we are fully behind and we will be donating educational books from the Green Bean Collection to support their worthy cause

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People wishing to support the NLT’s Christmas appeal can donate via the National Literacy Trust’s website, or by purchasing charity Christmas cards which have been designed by children across the country.