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New reading project supports young carers
19 Jul 2011
The National Literacy Trust has run a pilot project to improve the opportunities of young carers by encouraging them to read for pleasure.
Taking part in the Young Readers Programme offered 56 young carers a break from their caring responsibilities as well as support for their success at school and beyond.
The children taking part attended three literacy events which inspired them to read through fun, motivational activities with a book-related theme. At the end of each event the young carers had the opportunity to choose and keep a free book, for some the first they had ever owned.
In the UK today up to 13,000 young carers spend more than 50 hours a week caring for a parent or sibling with a disability or mental illness. As young carers struggle with many responsibilities, their opportunities to read and share stories with their parents and family members can be limited. While reading together may not seem to be an immediate priority for families in difficult circumstances, research shows that reading for pleasure is the most important indicator of the future success of a child, so it is crucial it is encouraged*.
Caroline Sence, Young Readers Programme Manager at the National Literacy Trust says:
“Young carers often carry a burden of responsibility that far exceeds their years, so we were delighted that our pilot project received such positive feedback from the carers and the librarians involved. We want to continue our work with young carers and help them to fight the disadvantage they face as a result of their situation by inspiring and motivating them to read. A love of reading will stand them in good stead to live a fulfilling and happy life, whatever paths they may take.”
Jo Cartledge, Chair of the Benoy Foundation who funded the project, says:
“We’re very pleased to support the National Literacy Trust’s work with young carers. We are aware of the power of literacy to change lives and it can often be a vital turning point in a child’s life. We want to support children in the UK to give them the best start in life possible.”
The pilot project ran in five local authorities: the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, West Lancashire, Surrey, Devon and West Glasgow. Before and after the project ran the young carers were surveyed about their views on reading. Prior to the project 50% said they enjoyed reading, which rose to 62% afterwards and those who said they never read decreased from 31% to 19%. With such positive results, in the future the National Literacy Trust hopes to expand the programme to work with young carers in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
A resource is now available for teachers and librarians across the country to run their own Young Readers Programme. To find out more visit http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/resources
-ENDS-
*(OCED 2002)
For more information about the National Literacy Trust please contact Anna Lindsay, Public Relations Officer via anna.lindsay@literacytrust.org.uk or 020 7820 6256.
Supporting information: case studies
One coordinator specifically cited the story of one of the young carers in her programme:
“Owing to the lack of money in the household and the number of children the mother cares for, coupled with the mum’s mental health issues, *Emma (aged 9) had very little opportunity to read. Coming to the meetings provided her with the chance to see lots of different books and choose something that she enjoyed reading. The final session also allowed her a rare opportunity to share a book with her mum – something she had never done before. I believe that she reads more regularly as a result of being part of this project.”
When asked about participating in the programme, the young carers themselves had the following to say. Leila, aged 12 said*:
“It was so exciting, having the opportunity to read books that I enjoy and interest me. I was very excited to receive the books from Young Readers Programme”
Marek, aged 11* said:
“I enjoyed the storytelling and the library and being able to take books home to read.”
*False names have been used to protect the identities of those involved.
Notes to Editors
1. About the National Literacy Trust
The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity and the leading literacy expert in the UK. We have worked with schools since 1993, providing innovative resources, information and support. Over 30,000 teachers, librarians and other professionals have benefitted from our networks. 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.
To find out more about the support we offer to schools please visit www.literacytrust.org.uk/schools
To help us transform lives through literacy, you can make a donation or support our work. To find out how visit http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/support
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
2. About the Benoy Foundation
Benoy Foundation (Registered Charity Number: 1120630) was made possible by a donation from Graham and Jo Cartledge, who aim to make the initiative fully inclusive - respecting varying cultures, religions and social backgrounds. Benoy Foundation will fund projects in support of housing and the built environment, sustainability, community and education throughout the UK and across the world. For more information please refer to the website www.benoyfoundation.com.
