Media centre
Silence is golden at the National Literacy Trust
28 Oct 2010
Friday, 5 November will be a quiet day at the National Literacy Trust as Director Jonathan Douglas has vowed to spend a ‘day without words’ to highlight the importance of literacy and communication skills.
Jonathan’s sponsored vow of silence aims to raise £1000 to support reading and literacy in disadvantaged communities and to publicise new opportunities for individuals to get involved and fundraise for literacy.
Funds raised will help the National Literacy Trust to support people to improve their literacy skills in a range of innovative ways from inspirational book gifting events for disadvantaged children to workshops to help disadvantaged teenagers develop communication skills for the workplace.
Jonathan says:
“Although speaking is one of the key components that make up the potent combination of the four key literacy skills – reading, writing, speaking and listening - it is often taken for granted.
“In fact, speech and language difficulties are the most common form of needs for young children and without help, a third of children with speech, language and communication difficulties could go on to have mental health problems. In one study, two thirds of young offenders had language problems. These figures are concerning and I hope my vow of silence will help to raise awareness of these issues.”
If you feel inspired by Jonathan’s vow, why not organise a similar event with your boss? Go here for ideas and tips on how you can fundraise for us.
Alternatively, you can sponsor Jonathan to keep quiet via his justgiving page and help us to raise much needed funds so that we can ensure that everyone in the UK gets the literacy support they need.
Ends
For more information please contact Anna Lindsay, Public Relations Officer at the National Literacy Trust at anna.lindsay@literacytrust.org.uk or on 020 7820 6256.
Notes to Editors
About the National Literacy Trust
The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity that transforms lives through literacy. We believe that society will only be fair when everyone has the literacy skills they need to communicate, to fulfil their potential and to contribute more to society. We campaign to improve public understanding of the vital importance of literacy, as well as delivering projects and working in partnership to reach those most in need of support.
To help us transform lives through literacy, you can make a donation. To find out how visit http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/About/donate.html
National Literacy Trust is a registered charity no. 1116260, and a company limited by guarantee, no. 5836486. Registered in England and Wales. Registered address: 68 South Lambeth Road, London SW8 1RL. Tel: 020 7587 1842
