Who are Shannon Trust and what is Turning Pages?

Shannon Trust transforms lives by supporting people to learn to read.

Our reading programme, Turning Pages, was designed to support adults in prison with low literacy. The programme is made up of 5 friendly manuals, and learners work through each manual with their mentor (a person who can read). Sessions are short and can take place where the learner feels most comfortable.

We have now launched Turning Pages Digital, a digital version of our reading programme. This will help us to expand the programme in the community and reach more learners. The tool will allow learners to access the reading programme at any time to fit into their everyday life.

Who would benefit from this programme?

An adult aged 18+ who:

  • is unable to read
  • has low literacy levels
  • wishes to improve their literacy levels
  • is considered to have a neurodivergent condition

Why Turning Pages?

A complete, learner centred programme

Learners set their goals and work at their own pace, working one to one with a reading coach, or independently with self study resources. Turning Pages is completely free to our learners. We offer a complete programme, which includes all the resources, a network, support and training.

Created for adult learners

Turning Pages manuals and activity books were designed for adults, and include relevant, real life stories. Learners can quickly see the progress they are making.

Tried and tested

Co-created by literacy specialists for, and with, adult learners, Turning Pages has been used by thousands of learners since its launch in June 2015. An academic review by Birmingham City University has shown its effectiveness in helping adults become readers, even if they've never read a word before.

How does it work?

The programme is completely learner-led – learners set their own goals and go at the pace they prefer

Learning sessions are free and bitesize, usually around 20 to 30 minutes

Learners will receive one to one support from a trained reading coach (a staff member, volunteer or peer mentor)

Partner organisations will receive training, guidance and ongoing support from Shannon Trust

What learners will experience

Aerial view of a learner and mentor going to one of the Turning Pages manuals

Not everyone’s experiences of learning are positive, so Turning Pages Digital is designed to be different. Find out more about the programme.

Are you interested in partnering with Shannon Trust to deliver our Turning Pages programme? Get in touch to find out more.

Get in touch