Shannon Trust

Turning Pages has gone international! 📚

We were delighted to see Shannon Trust’s Turning Pages programme featured by ABC News in Australia this week, highlighting the impact of peer-led reading support at Loddon Prison in Victoria.

Loddon is believed to be the first prison in Australia to introduce Turning Pages, with people in prison supporting their peers to improve their reading through the same one-to-one, phonics-based approach used across prisons in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The article shares some brilliant examples of the difference this is already making - from giving learners the confidence to write their own letters and cards, to helping them progress into vocational training and think differently about their futures.

It’s amazing to see Turning Pages benefitting people on the other side of the world - and demonstrating the power of people supporting each other to learn.

Read the full story from ABC News 👇

These men in a Victorian prison are teaching each other to read Prisoners in central Victoria are teaching each other to read as part of a phonics-based program adopted from the United Kingdom.

Learning to read or improve numeracy skills isn't just about academics. It's about building confidence and independence. By helping people develop vital life skills, they feel more hopeful about their future, as a learner at HMP Wi******er tells us 👏

Feel Good Friday! 🫶

Did you know that Shannon Trust's programmes are delivered through peer mentoring? This is where people who can read or understand numeracy teach those who can't, and they do this in a supportive and calm environment.

Sometimes, the best teacher is someone who understands the journey.

Planning and reflections with some of our volunteers 🌟

Our volunteers from the South East region recently came together to celebrate the incredible work taking place across the region, share updates, and learn from one another.

The day featured updates from individual prisons, with teams reflecting on both the challenges they have faced and the successes they have achieved over recent months. These conversations highlighted the dedication of staff and volunteers, while creating valuable opportunities to share ideas and good practice across the region.

A successful day full of enthusiasm and creativity - we're so lucky to have such an incredible cohort of volunteers 💜

Sometimes, all it takes is a simple change to make all the difference 👓

Our prison facilitator, Becki, at HMP Exeter, recently noticed many people who were struggling to read because they didn't have any reading glasses.

With the Governor's support, we bought 250 pairs ready for those who need them. There's already been a great response, with many people saying they can now go and get books out the library and use the kiosk themselves as they can see it! A simple act of support that goes a long way in helping people learn and enjoy reading.

Did you know? 📚

At Shannon Trust, our programmes are designed to be different. We teach those who can read to support those who cannot, through peer mentoring.

Our programmes are designed so that each learner can work towards their own goals at their own pace with someone they trust.

That’s the power of peer mentoring: people supporting each other to grow their confidence and build skills for the future.

Photo by Andy Aitchison.

This is the kind of feedback we love to hear 🫶

Count Me In, our numeracy programme, was developed over two years ago with numeracy experts to cover key aspects of the entry-level adult curriculum. It focuses on the practical numeracy skills needed for daily life.

Last year, we had close to 3000 Count Me In manuals completed, and feedback like this goes to show how important numeracy skills are too 👏

✨ We'd still love to hear from you...

As we celebrate 25 years of Shannon Trust, we're looking back at the incredible people who have been part of our journey.

Whether you learned to read with us, became a peer mentor, volunteered your time, worked alongside us or supported our mission, we'd love to hear from you.

In just a sentence or two, we'd love you to answer:

💙 What difference has learning made in your life?

Your story could help inspire others and celebrate the impact of learning over the past 25 years.

Leave a comment below or send us a DM if you'd rather share your reflection that way.

Please help us reach more of our Shannon Trust community by sharing this post!

Photo by Andy Aitchison.

Inspiring poetry with Matt Nomme ✍️

After the success of a similar event earlier this year, our team at HMP Ashfield this week hosted another Reading Week in collaboration with prison staff.

On Tuesday, they welcomed Welsh poet Matt, author of 'Wales Innit' and 'Happy Daze', to lead a special workshop. Matt shared how he first got into poetry and read some of his favourite pieces, including the very first poem he wrote while in A&E seven years ago.

His talk sparked thoughtful questions and discussions among the mentors and learners who attended. It was a fantastic opportunity to show that writing can take many forms and that poetry is something anyone can explore.

Reading Week is all about celebrating the power of reading and writing to inspire, connect people and build confidence, and workshops like this bring those ideas to life 🌟

Everyone learns differently and not all thrive in a traditional classroom environment. Exams and tests? While a lot of people might not love these, for some they're more than an inconvenience, they're a huge barrier for success.

That's why we've designed our programmes to be different. Peer mentoring in a quiet environment at a learner's own pace 💙