8 October 2007

National Literacy Trust conference, 11 October 2007
Every home a reading home: creating an effective local strategy

Putting families and literacy at the heart of local government policy can benefit the whole community. Supported by UPS, the National Literacy Trust conference ‘Every home a reading home: creating an effective local strategy’,will show how local government can help to change people’s lives through literacy.

The conference takes place this Thursday 11 October. Education correspondent Mike Baker will chair a panel discussion examining effective local strategies from Gateshead, Rochdale and Tower Hamlets.

Jim Barber, managing director, UPS UK & Ireland says:“UPS is proud to support the National Literacy Trust and is looking forward to participating in this conference. UPS shares a common vision with the National Literacy Trust to strengthen communities through the advancement of education and literacy. We have worked together for a number of years to support the Family Reading Campaign and are committed to promoting the benefits and enjoyment of reading for all the family.”

Jonathan Douglas, director of the National Literacy Trust says: “We want to influence thinking and support local authorities in promoting literacy. Thanks to UPS’s generous support, the National Literacy Trust conference will help to bring whole communities together to make a positive difference to people’s lives.”

Sessions throughout the day will cover:

• How coordinating local services (libraries, health, pre-school providers, schools, adult education, local media, arts and housing) can reach the hard to reach – Jonathan Douglas, Director, National Literacy Trust
• How children’s centres services can work together to promote a high quality home learning environment – Lesley Staggs, Early Childhood Consultant
• Getting all the communities reading in Sandwell – Sandeep Mahal, Community Library Manager - Outreach Services and Linda Saunders, Chief Librarian, Sandwell

For more information visit www.literacytrust.org.uk

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. About the conference
The Family Reading Campaign (FRC) recognises that reading in the home is developed most effectively when:

• agencies work in partnership with parents and other family members
• enjoyment of reading is linked with helping children and young people fulfil their potential
• the reading and the literacy of each family is valued and the support offered is flexible to suit each family's needs
• it is supported by a coordinated local approach
• engaging families with reading is integrated into strategic planning.

This conference, which takes place during Family Learning Week, will discuss how these principles can be developed strategically so that ideas and approaches can be expanded and effectively put into practice in a variety of settings to help reach those most in need of support.

The delegate pack will include a magazine and DVD to help develop coordinated local support for reading in the home. These will both be available to download after the conference from www.familyreading.org.uk

2. About the National Literacy Trust

The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity that changes lives through literacy. It has a vision of a society in which everyone has the reading, writing, speaking and listening skills that they need to fulfil their own and, ultimately, the nation’s potential. It aims to link family, school and community to enable effective access to literacy throughout people’s lives. www.literacytrust.org.uk