Most of us have heard about the low literacy rates in UK prisons. The Reading Agency argue that 51% of people in prisons have low literacy skills, compared to just 15% of the general population. We know from our Moving Forward project that some people find it quite tough to move on with their lives when they leave prison. Getting a job, in particular, can be difficult. Being unable to read and write at a good level would make this process that much harder.

That’s why we are pleased to hear that The Reading Agency’s Reading Ahead programme, that builds reading confidence among young people and adults is working in prisons too. Last year they 15,000 people in prison took part in the programme which makes it the UK’s largest reading initiative in prisons.

On World Book Night, on the 23rd of April, books donated by publishers will be given out at prisons all over the UK as well as many prisons holding celebration events. Click here to find out more about how you can get involved and go to the Moving Forward project page to read more about the work we are doing with people involved in the criminal justice system.