Literacy action hubs - transforming literacy in struggling areas

In a time of economic instability, low literacy makes individuals and communities more vulnerable to inequality.

We are committed to raising literacy levels in struggling areas. We believe this can be done most effectively, and economically, by targeting a range of interventions in the communities that need them the most.

A literacy action hub is a coordinated local push to improve literacy levels. It draws together partner organisations and uses data to target a range of local and national initiatives to individuals, families and communities that need the support the most.

Where are we working?

The first area to adopt this approach is Middlesbrough, where we are working in partnership with Middlesbrough Council with funding from The Booker Prize Foundation.

In the first year of the delivery our focus is:

Increasing the number of…

• Children and young people reading for pleasure
• Parents/carers who are confident in sharing books with children
• Children under five who, with their parents, join and visit libraries
• Frontline staff and volunteers who are aware of the impact of low literacy on people’s lives

Improving…

• Targeting of literacy support to the people who need it most
• Partnership working on literacy among local organisations – increasing access to literacy support across Middlesbrough and sharing good practice

We are interested in working with other areas and are identifying localities which would benefit most. To find out more about our hub model and work in Middlesbrough, read our Overview of literacy action hubs.

If you'd like to develop this approach in your area, email Emily McCoy, Literacy Action Hub Programme Manager: emily.mccoy@literacytrust.org.uk.