Quick Reads’ Reception Wednesday, March 2, 2011 - 12:24

MPs and Peers, authors, employers, representatives of the publishing industry, adult learning providers and learners attended a reception at the House of Lords today, to acknowledge the Quick Reads initiative - and its unique cross-sector partnership - and the contribution it has made to adult literacy learning across the UK.

Over the past six years millions of Quick Reads have been distributed and hundreds of thousands of adults have discovered - or re-discovered - the joy of reading. For many, they are now confident to use literacy in everyday life.

Speaking at the event were:

• the Earl of Listowel;
• Dame Gail Rebuck, CEO of Random House Publishing and Chair of Quick Reads; and
• Alan Tuckett, Chief Executive of NIACE.

Carol Taylor, Director or Operations at NIACE, said:

"Over a third of the adult population admit to not having the time or inclination to read for pleasure in their busy lives. Many struggle to finish a book or do not have the confidence or skills to think about reading one. Quick Reads are written and published to help adults to improve their literacy skills and discover a love of reading and books."

"Over the past six years we have witnessed the remarkable impact Quick Reads have had on the lives of thousands of new readers. Many, who before were nervous of books and had to hide the fact they found reading and writing difficult, have go on to read other books and become more confident in themselves, at work and in helping their children with school work. The number of businesses across the country who use Quick Reads are testament to how effective these books are and their investment in improving the literacy skills of their workforce is to be applauded."

City Parks Literacy Group

Eight gardeners with Brighton & Hove City Council's Parks and Gardens Department have used newly acquired literacy skills to help their families and fellow workers, and are now learning ambassadors to the wider community - thanks to Quick Reads.

With reading skills at Level 1 or below, and no further education since school, all the gardeners had negative memories of learning and were apprehensive about returning to a classroom. But a Train to Gain programme run jointly by the council and the GMB Union has given them a new zest for learning.

David Coleman said:

"It has boosted my confidence so I can help my six-year-old with his homework,"

Similarly, Nick Burton said:

"I'm reading bedtime stories to my children (which they love). I have noticed my children are taking a greater interest in reading and school activities in general."

For John Durrant, the key to success was mutual support. He said:

"We are improving by helping ourselves and each other."

Gerildine Talbot, aged 44, from Leeds

Gerildine never learnt to read and write due to a disrupted childhood. She spent some time in care and was labelled ‘think' and ‘stupid' by her school.

Encouraged to write her life story by social workers eleven years ago, it was only last year that Gerildine attended a Leeds City College Skills for Life literacy class, after realising she needed the skills to edit her book. She has already achieved an Entry Level 2 qualification in Literacy, she attends a book club, has learnt to use a computer and completed courses in Indian Head Massage and Painting and Drawing Level 1.

Her tutor Ann Eveleigh said:

"Learning to read and write had made a tremendous difference to Geraldine's life. She is now more confident, talkative, bursting with life and energy."

Gerildine said:

"Firstly I am not thick, I know that I can learn and can achieve. It's like a door opening, I cannot stop reading, I have books galore at home; I now understand the joy of reading. I used to walk with my head down, but now I'm looking at everything, hoping to learn more."

Gerildine is also in the last stages of editing her book. She said:

"My experiences have been very difficult. It's been a way to address everything that's happened to me and move forward. It's like magic to me now. I know I will be learning all of my life."

NIACE is co-ordinating an independent Inquiry into Adult and Youth Literacy in England, which will report on International Literacy Day, 8 September 2011.