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National Literacy Trust

We empower people with the literacy skills they need to succeed in life. Together we're helping people change their stories.
Two younger children boys playing outside Community_National Literacy Trust
Dad and baby Early Words Matter close up

Early Words Matter

A child's earliest years are crucial to their development and life chances. Our new Early Words Matter campaign will ensure every child is empowered with the words they need to write their own story.

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Help us tackle the cost of literacy crisis

Soaring prices are having a direct impact on child literacy levels. And families with the lowest incomes are being hit the hardest. A donation today from you means that together, we can change more children’s life stories.

How do we support teachers and practitioners?

Discover top-quality school resources to help engage and inspire children in early years settings, primary and secondary classes.

Join our professional development training sessions and continually improve your teaching knowledge and skills. Create a passion for books with our regular author events and creative programmes. Together, we are helping children and young people change their stories. Find out about National Literacy Trust membership.

Families enjoy First Words Together Summer Party in the community

We empower parents and families

Parents - you’re not alone! Discover a wealth of practical tips to help your child’s literacy journey, fun activities to try together as well as reassuring support and guidance on our Words for Life website. We have plenty of creative ways to nurture your child’s reading, speaking, listening and writing development at home.

Children in the communities

We collaborate with communities and local areas

We work collaboratively in 20 areas of the UK that face the biggest challenges with literacy and where we can make the most difference. We work alongside teachers and football coaches, to librarians and youth leaders - to create bespoke solutions that support literacy at home, in school and in the community.

Fundraising abseil over London with the National Literacy Trust

Fundraising

We believe literacy is for everyone. We are committed to changing as many lives as possible through the transforming power of literacy. Be part of our story and donate today, take on our challenge events or find out how your organisation can partner with us.

Words for Work women in leadership

Policy and campaigning

We are proud to be a dynamic and fast-moving organisation that thinks creatively about how to inspire and engage people with literacy. We are the rallying cry to politicians and decision-makers to bring sustainable change. We work in partnerships of all kinds as we know this has the most impact.

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Research

Everything we do is underpinned by sound evidence and ground-breaking research on all aspects of literacy, from exploring the relationship between technology and literacy, to investigating the impact of role models on reading.

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Criminal Justice

We currently run four projects in prisons and Young Offender Institutions – Books Unlocked, New Chapters, Inside Stories with Audible and Readconnect. Find out how these projects not only help to support and improve the literacy skills of participants but also build family connections, raises hope and enable people to share their stories.

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Become a member of the National Literacy Trust

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