Take 10 to Read in Manchester

Our #Take10ToRead campaign encourages people of all ages to drop everything and read for just 10 minutes and experience the wellbeing benefits of reading. Our research shows that reading for enjoyment can help you relax and boost your mood, as well as supporting the vital literacy skills needed to succeed at school, work and in life.

Take 10 to Read was first developed by Read Manchester in 2018 and is now promoted by the National Literacy Trust across the UK.

Take 10 in Manchester in 2025

Thank you to everyone who joined our Take 10 to Read campaign this year on World Mental Health Day (Friday 10 October). In 2025 our campaign was bigger than ever.

• We gifted a total of 2,300 books to staff, patients and visitors at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and The Christie, while talking about the benefits of reading for 10 minutes a day. A huge thank you to our Literacy Champions who helped at these events.
• 150 children from three Manchester schools joined an event at Manchester Central Library with author and poet Oliver Sykes. Oli shared his personal story about the power of reading for just 10 minutes a day. He has also supported our Take 10 campaign with this video of his poem Your Climb.
• 12 local organisations including Manchester Thrive in Education and Southway Housing signed the National Literacy Trust’s Take 10 pledge, receiving tips and resources to hold their own events.
• Seven Manchester parks received a total of 210 books to inspire reading in their cafes and will be encouraging visitors to take 10 minutes to enjoy a story.

“Thank you! Reading is a wonderful and rewarding escape from the stressful working world in the hospital. Much appreciated to feel valued by you.” – Member of staff at The Christie

“Thank you! Reading quietens a mind worrying about cancer.” – Patient at The Christie