Solace

The Solace adult literacy project aims to improve access to books and resources for the women and children in refuge accommodation in London. This project has a specific focus on in-person activity in Islington and Camden, with books also being donated to 22 refuges across London. We consult with participants in order to shape the project to meet their needs.

As part of the project we:

- Donate adult, young adult and children’s books to 22 refuges across London, creating mini-libraries in communal areas

- Provide books for induction packs that women receive on arrival at the refuge

- Organise workshops which focus on building family ties through shared reading and storytelling

- Encourage feedback exchange and correspondence about books between participants and Slaughter and May staff.

Feedback from this project includes:

• “Me and my daughter enjoyed the session a lot.” – Parent who attended a workshop
• “It felt like such a special opportunity to be able to offer something creative and uplifting for participants – both adults and children – in the midst of such a complex and difficult time in their lives” – Feedback from children’s poet, Kate Wakeling, after delivering her workshop with the women and their children
• “It was a pleasure; the workshops were both creative and imaginative, and the women and children found them so engaging. Thank you to the (Slaughter and May) volunteers who made the women feel welcome. I look forward to future projects.” – Feedback from Iman Noor, Multiple Disadvantage Refuge Worker from Solace

We would like to say a big thank you to our corporate partner, Slaughter and May, for funding this pilot project and to Penguin Random House for generously donating books.

If you would like any more information please email: Rebecca.james@literacytrust.org.uk