The North East

We work across the North East with families, schools and the community to raise children’s literacy levels and set them up with the skills they need to thrive in later life.
We work with organisations and businesses across the region, joining forces to strengthen the culture of reading across the region.
Since 2017 when we launched, we have given away more than 8,700 books to children who, according to our research, may not have any books of their own at home.
Our campaign work is focused in the four main areas with the highest literacy need: Newcastle, Gateshead, Stockton and Redcar. We also deliver activity specifically for little ones aged 0-5, in our flagship early years programme, First Words Together.
Keep up to date with our latest activity by following our Facebook page
Or get in touch with us at northeast@literacytrust.org.uk
North East Literacy Champions
Sign up as a volunteer Literacy Champion and, if you live in the North East, you'll have the chance to join our fantastic team of supported volunteers!
Find out more about becoming a Literacy Champion and sign up with the link below. You can also get in touch with northeast@literacytrust.org.uk if you’d like to know more about volunteering in the region.

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We have lots of useful tips, guidance and free activities for parents, to help you support your child's literacy development as they grow.Learn more
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Read North East supports schools to make literacy improvement a priority and encourage pupils to read for pleasure.Learn more
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We rely on the generous support of individuals, schools, communities and businesses to help us continue our vital work in the North East.Learn more
Success stories
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Our Read North East campaign launched its new Redcar Early Years Partnership today with a storytelling event for children.Learn more about Our Read North East campaign launches new Redcar Early Years Partnership with storytelling event for local nurseries.
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We teamed up with Penguin Random House to host an exclusive schools event with the world-famous Diary of Wimpy Kid author Jeff Kinney, as part of our Read North East campaign.Learn more about Wimpy Kid author Jeff Kinney visits Newcastle for an exclusive Read North East event.
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Children from Southwick Primary School in Sunderland enjoyed a day of ‘chat, play, read’ activities themed around Eric Hill’s Spot.Learn more about Southwick Primary School’s grand day out with Spot.