Our celebrity supporters

We are proud to have the following celebrities and well-known figures supporting our campaigning work.

Alesha Dixon

Singer/ songwriter and star judge on BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing says:

If a young person doesn’t gain the literacy skills they need, they will struggle at school and as adults in the job market. Whatever you do for a living, being able to read, write and communicate well is essential if you want to get ahead. A huge part of my career is about being confident at expressing myself in words - whether I’m voicing my opinions on Strictly Come Dancing or writing a new song.

Read our full interview with Alesha.

Kirsty Young

Presenter of Crimewatch and Desert Island Discs says:

Literacy is the best foundation to understanding ourselves, others and the world we live in. Without it we inhabit a place that is a darker, more fearful and solitary. With it we can grapple with learning, share our experiences and raise our expectations.

Andrew Motion

The poet, novelist and biographer, who was Poet Laureate from 1999 to 2009 says:

I believe literacy matters because it is the key to the door of belonging - belonging to your self, your society and your world. In hard times such as we are now entering, when the risk of inequality will increase, literacy and its unlocking matter more than ever.

Adele Parks

The bestselling novelist who has sold over a million copies of her novels in the UK says:

I believe every single adult and child has the right to learn to read and write, and to be taught with understanding and patience. Life without literacy skills is extremely difficult. Things that most people take for granted – reading an instruction manual, the headline of the newspaper, a bus timetable or the menu in a restaurant - can be crippling for some. That doesn't seem fair or reasonable to me. I think reading is a bit like eating fruit and veg. You’ll feel better, function better and, while you won't actually live longer, it might just feel as though you have. Through literature we can travel through time, travel to other countries that we may never hope to physically visit and we reach different emotional states. Undoubtedly, reading leaves you richer and wiser. It brings great enjoyment and relaxation - an escape from the stress and strains of daily life. It brings great power and confidence. We all should have this right, and that’s why I am passionate about the National Literacy Trust's campaigning to raise awareness of literacy issues in the UK.

Read our full interview with Adele.

 
Communication Champion, Jean Gross

Sharing picture books with young children, and when they are older reading them the long stories that my children used to call ‘chapter books’,  is absolutely vital to developing their vocabulary and ability to communicate. We all know how busy family life can be, but regular time sharing stories is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children – and it’s free! That’s why I’m proud to support the National Literacy Trust’s Tell me a Story campaign , and their wider work  helping  families in disadvantaged areas to get the best for their children.

Literacy expert, Pie Corbett

A regular bedtime story is one of the most important things that any parent can do for their children. Those who have lots of stories are most likely to succeed at school. It is a special time that prepares children for learning to read and write, developing abstract thought so that children can imagine, wonder and think. That is why I am supporting the National Literacy Trust's campaign to raise awareness that every child deserves to have stories. If parents can do one thing to help their children develop the literacy skills they need, it is to read and tell lots of stories. These can be stories from books, stories about your own childhood, stories about things that you have done together as well as making up new stories. Just tell stories and read stories. That will be more than enough.

Why not join them and pledge your support now?

Our other celebrity supporters include Bill Bailey, Anthony Horowitz and John le Carré.

We also work with a number of celebrities who help us take reading and literacy to new audiences. For more please see Premier League Reading Stars and Reading Champions.