Project gets over 60s reading and writing Monday, February 8, 2010 - 11:26

Bookbite - funded by the Learning Revolution Transformation Fund - encourages people aged 60 and over who rarely or never read books, to engage in reading and writing for pleasure, using the internet to access additional resources. To mark its launch, more than 100,000 Bookbite magazines have been distributed throughout England and a new website has been unveiled.

The magazine has been distributed directly to people's homes via older people's charity WRVS and by 175 other organisations including Age Concern, local library services and UK online centres. It is also available to download from the Bookbite website.

The Bookbite magazine and website include information on:

• writing short stories;
• a user forum to share tips and ideas on reading and writing;
• advice and help on researching family and social history;
• an introduction to reading and writing poetry;
• an online reading group and book lists including a ‘Book of the Month';
• short story competitions; and
• links to other useful websites.

Celebrated authors, poets and well-known faces including Andrew Motion, Pam Ayres, Val McDermid, Sherrie Hewson and Mihir Bose have all contributed stories, poems and support to the project.

Bookbite marks the second foray for Booktrust into the arena of adult education and engagement following the successful launch of the Booktrust Power of Reading Award as part of Adult Learners Week in 2009.

Viv Bird, Chief Executive of Booktrust said:

"The launch of the Bookbite project is a very exciting development for Booktrust, as it gives us the opportunity to encourage a whole new audience who may have more leisure time, to find a good read, explore creative writing and go online. The website can be enjoyed by everyone, but has been specially designed to be an easily accessible forum for a host of activities, ideas, book recommendations and inspiration The project has been developed following close consultation with those over 60, so we are confident that the magazine and website will prove interesting and stimulating for all and prove that it is never too late to enjoy new experiences around reading, writing and learning."