Swindon’s Bus Company teamed up with the National Literacy Trust in Swindon to encourage young people to read books.
Representatives from the National Literacy Trust in Swindon hopped aboard buses along Swindon’s Bus Company’s route 17, gifting books to children and families on their everyday journeys.
Swindon's Bus Company's Lucy Humphrey said: “Swindon’s Bus Company considers itself very much a part of the local community - and we’re pleased to be working with the National Literacy Trust to help make a real difference to young people living here.
“Low literacy levels can have a serious impact on people’s lives. In 2023, research by the National Literacy Trust found that one in six, five to eight year olds, in the South West did not have a book of their own at home.
"This equates to around five children in every classroom, so the work the National Literacy Trust in Swindon does is vitally important.
“It’s not only about supporting children to succeed in school, but helping them into work and supporting their mental health and happiness. Books should be accessible to all, no matter what people’s personal circumstances are, so this initiative has been a great way to ensure lots of young people across Swindon can enjoy the gift of reading.
‘It has been a great example of partner organisations working together for the good of the local community.”
The National Literacy Trust in Swindon works together with partners across the town from libraries and schools to hospitals and food banks, empowering children and families with the literacy skills they need to thrive.
Anish Harrison, manager for the National Literacy Trust in Swindon, said: “We know that reading gives children a way to understand who they are and explore the world around them. It builds vital literacy skills that open the door to knowledge, confidence and inspiration, and the future they want.
"That’s why it’s wonderful to be working with Swindon’s Bus Company to gift books across our community and to ensure that more local children get to experience the life-changing benefits of choosing and owning a book of their own.”
For more information about the National Literacy Trust in Swindon, people can visit literacytrust.org and for information about Swindon’s Bus Company, they can visit swindonbus.co.uk
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