When reading feels possible, everything else follows.
March 09, 2026Posted by:
Last week was World Book Day. While many of us were sending children to school in costume, teams across PeoplePlus were focusing on adult literacy: running events, building confidence, and championing reading in places where it can change what comes next.
Across our prison education sites, colleagues and learners brought books to life through activities including blind date with a book, book potluck (where learners choose a book at random), creating comic strips, and bringing reading into other subjects such as comparing illustration styles in art class and baking a book.
HMP Bedford focused on poetry, inviting learners to submit original poems or favourite verses. At HMP Onley, learners took part in an essay competition on their three favourite books. At HMP Whatton, the library team used the week to encourage more learners to borrow books and try something new.
Adult literacy remains a major challenge. Around 1 in 5 adults in the UK are functionally illiterate, and there is evidence this is rising. In prisons, the rate is around 60%. For care leavers, it is around 40%. That is why we signed the Vision for Literacy Business Pledge, and why our work does not begin and end with one awareness day.
These are some of the ways we’re helping reading become part of everyday life, not a one-off event.
National Year of Reading
We are “going all in” with National Year of Reading, a UK-wide campaign designed to encourage more people to make reading a regular habit. Our launch event at HMP Littlehey took place in February and marked the start of our year-long programme of reading activities. Over 100 learners attended and were set the challenge of reading 25 books in 2026, and took away reading “goodies” to help them get started including tote bags and book marks designed and made in our graphics class. Our learning support practitioner said “The launch event was a resounding success, one week later, and I’m still being stopped by learners thanking me for such an informative, positive celebration of reading. It was incredibly encouraging to see the range in reading ability of prisoners in attendance, whether highly skilled or still developing, each contributing to a positive and accepting atmosphere.”
Book Nooks across our sites
Great British Read Book Nooks are now in place across our customer-facing sites. With help from colleagues and customers, we’re filling shelves with books for people to borrow, keep, or swap. It’s a simple idea, but it helps make books visible, shared, and normal.
Second Chapters: storytelling that builds confidence
Our newest literacy project, Second Chapters, was designed by PeoplePlus to support learners to draw on their own life experiences to create written and spoken stories. The stories might describe a single moment, a wider journey, or hopes for the future. Storytelling can feel more natural than “formal” learning, which helps build motivation and confidence to read and write more.
One learner at HMP Littlehey said: “I had forgotten about this day, but talking about it, I now see it in my mind, and it makes me happy.” While another asked: “Miss, are you here next week? Can I take my work so I can write more sentences for you and the story?”
A book on the bed at HMP Millsike
At HMP Millsike, every man receives a “book on the bed”, gifted by PeoplePlus on his first night. It’s a small but meaningful gesture that helps make a first night in custody a little easier, and encourages new arrivals to use the library early.
Donations through SRAG
With support from Social Recruitment Advocacy Group members, 50 books were donated to the libraries at HMPYOI Werrington and HMP Leicester ahead of Christmas. Titles were carefully selected by members and warmly received on site. One colleague shared: “The books are being utilised by young people in Werrington as part of their weekly reading sessions… these were invaluable to receive.”
Building core reading skills with That Reading Thing
A love of reading starts with confidence and the basics. In our prisons we use That Reading Thing, a phonics-based approach with age-appropriate vocabulary and reading materials. Learners are already making strong progress, including this learner at HMP Chelmsford: “I can’t believe what I can do now. Before, I didn’t know about sounds and all that. Now I feel proud because I can put them together and read more words.”
Storybook Dads
Storybook Dads supports prisoners to practise reading while staying connected to their children, by recording stories that are sent home. It strengthens reading skills and family ties at the same time.
Writing, confidence and mentoring with Lee Child
At HMP Millsike, we’ve partnered with world-renowned thriller writer Lee Child to build confidence, literacy and self-expression through reading and writing, as part of the Pilot Prisons Literacy Project. Learners read his novel Killing Floor, wrote short reviews, and came together to discuss the themes, emotions and moral choices raised by the story.
Learners who show real commitment, positive behaviour and a flair for writing will be supported further, including mentoring after release and a reference from Lee to help them pursue writing ambitions outside.
Reading changes what people believe is possible for them. It helps someone fill in a form, follow a recipe, understand a letter, stick with learning, and talk to their children with confidence. That’s why books and literacy support are prioritised every day across our services. World Book Day gave us a moment to celebrate. The work continues all year, because everyone deserves the chance to build skills, find their voice, and move forward.
We'll be sharing more detail about all of these initiatives over the coming weeks, so keep on eye on our website and social media for more information.
March 09, 2026Posted by:
