Big Give – Target Update!

The Reading Agency is delighted that we have reached our target for the Big Give – Read On campaign! We want to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported us in helping to gift Quick Reads to those experiencing homelessness this winter.

So why are we gifting Quick Reads?

The mental health support needs of those living with no fixed address are significant. 45% of people experiencing homelessness have been diagnosed with a mental health issue. This rises to 8 out of 10 people who are sleeping rough, and the prevalence of psychosis is up to 15 times as high, with older people experiencing homelessness being more likely to suffer from depression or dementia.

Reading is a source of support and comfort in the most challenging of times. Reading has the power to bring us closer to others, connect with the people around us, keep us learning and help us to feel better. Quick Reads are short accessible reads that aim to bring the pleasures and benefits of reading to everyone, including the one in three adults in the UK who do not regularly read for pleasure, and the one in six adults in the UK who find reading difficult. The scheme changes lives and plays a vital role in addressing the national crisis around adult literacy in the UK.

Now the Big Give has finished, what’s next?

We are now working with our library partners to team up with local organisations and homelessness charities to gift 25,000 books in February 2023. Each gifted book will include information about local library services as warm, safe community spaces where people can engage with reading material, access digital services and training and access reading groups, events and information about other support services.

While the Big Give donation doubling window is closed, we’re continuing to raise funds for Read On throughout the winter and additional donations are still very welcome as we look at way in which we can further our support of these communities.

Please do continue to spread the word and thank you for helping us to give the gift of reading this winter.