The Shannon Trust – Unlocking the Power of Reading
Shannon Trust supports and inspires prisoners who can read to teach prisoners who can’t. With a vision of every prisoner a reader, we want people to leave prison equipped to thrive in the community. Learning to read unlocks crucial life skills and opens up a world of opportunities to connect, engage and take part in everyday life. Each year, thousands of prisoners start learning to read with the Shannon Trust Reading Plan using Turning Pages, a reading programme developed for adults learning to read.
“For 49 years I couldn’t read. Now I’m reading letters from my children.”
Local volunteers train prisoners to be mentors to their peers and provide ongoing guidance and advice alongside staff in each prison. By unlocking the power of reading, we enable prisoners to develop vital life skills that support them to reach their full potential. Learners grow in confidence, improve their communication skill and are more likely to go on to further education and training. Being able to read increases the chances of gaining employment when someone leaves prison. It also helps them stay in touch with family and friends, a key factor in stopping people reoffending.
“If you can’t read, you can’t get nowhere in life…I don’t want to be like that, I want to do something with my life now… I want to change for the better…This is a step in the door.”