• 🎁 Tens of thousands of lives transformed every year
• 👩‍👩‍👧 Over 10,000 learners supported annually, alongside thousands of trained peer mentors
• 💡 Key outcomes: confidence, independence, and reduced reoffending

Across the prison system, around 2 in 3 people can’t read, or struggle to. For many, this didn’t start in prison – it started in childhood. And without support, it continues long after release.

Shannon Trust changes that.

With your gift, someone receives a structured reading programme and dedicated support from a trained peer mentor – another person in prison who understands what it’s like. Learning happens one-to-one, at their own pace, without pressure or judgement.

As reading skills grow, so does confidence. People can understand letters from home, take part in education, and start to see a future beyond prison – one where they have real choices and real opportunities.

One learner described what it meant simply:“For 49 years I couldn’t read. Now I’m reading letters from my grandchildren.”

“I can now go and get further education and not feel ashamed that I can’t read in a class full of people. With the skills I have learnt so far I’m confident I won’t re-offend, and hope to try get some qualifications behind me.”

— Richard, Shannon Trust learner, England

Learning to read is transformative. It improves confidence, mental wellbeing, and relationships with family. It opens the door to education and employment. And it plays a vital role in reducing reoffending – helping people build a life beyond prison. This isn’t just about reading. It’s about breaking cycles of disadvantage, exclusion, and crime.

Your gift helps someone unlock better opportunities for their future – and builds stronger, safer communities.

This gift was delivered in partnership with Shannon Trust, which works across prisons and the wider criminal justice system, helping people learn to read through peer-led programmes – unlocking confidence, opportunity, and a better future.