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Read Manchester

Mr Men Manchester

Read Manchester is a partnership between the National Literacy Trust and Manchester City Council to raise literacy levels and change the life stories of children, young people and adults across the city.

Working with schools and communities, local businesses and partner organisations, we share our love of stories and books with families to support them to develop the literacy skills needed to succeed in life. Read our newsletter to find out more about our current projects.

A Royal celebration

From Manchester to The Mall: Local volunteers celebrated by Her Majesty The Queen

''The highlight today for me was the talk given by Adele Parks. It was endearing, thoughtful and an inspiring speech based on what we all should be aspiring to do.''

Margarette, a Special Education Needs and Disability Manager at Manchester City Council, and National Literacy Trust Literacy Champion.

Find out more
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New transition read by local author supports Manchester pupils starting high school

We have been helping children in Manchester get ready to start secondary school next month with this year’s exciting new transition read - Quiet Storm by local author and Read Manchester Literacy Champion, Kimberly Whittam.

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Kimberly Chorlton 1

Getting ready to start school

Children starting school in Manchester this September will each receive a free copy of Benjamin Zephaniah’s brilliant book, People Need People. Chatting and reading with your child can help to prepare them for the transition from nursery to Reception. We've put together our top tips for sharing stories together, which can be downloaded in 10 languages. 

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Transition

Meet Rachel, Read Manchester Literacy Champion

To mark National Volunteers’ Week from 3 - 9 June, Literacy Champion Rachel Collier shares her experience of supporting her local community to fall in love with books.

Read Rachel's story
Rachel WBD photo Read Manchester

We celebrate Empathy Day 2024

Children and young people from Manchester primary schools have been learning how to boost their empathy superpowers this week in celebration of Empathy Day on 6 June 2024.

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School children at empathy day event Mcr

See Myself in Books

Help promote wider diversity in children's literature with these brand new classroom resources.

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News and successes

Wythenshawe Park Story Trail

Take a magical stroll through Wythenshawe Park on our brand new story trail.

Check out the story trail
Wythenshawe Park Trail

Take 10 to Read

Join our campaign to Take 10 minutes to read and celebrate #WorldMentalHealthDay.

Find out more
The Christie hospital Take 10 To Read campaign for Read Manchester

How to get involved...

  • There are lots of things Manchester families can do to boost their children's literacy from home.
    Learn more
  • We have lots of resources and support for schools, helping children reach the recommended literacy level for each stage of their education.
    Learn more
  • Read Manchester counts on the support of local businesses to help improve literacy levels in the city.
    Learn more

Key partners