Thanks to the incredible generosity of our Big Give supporters, young people from our Hi5! Monday Club recently enjoyed a special visit to Mr B’s Emporium - a moment that went far beyond simply choosing a book.

For many of the young people we support, reading hasn’t always felt accessible, enjoyable or relevant. Some don’t see themselves as “readers” at all. That’s why this visit was such an important step in our Books That Take You Places project - a Foundation-wide approach that links literacy with confidence, wellbeing and independence.

Using book tokens funded through Big Give donations, each young person was able to choose a book that genuinely interested them - from comics and sport to stories of adventure and imagination. With the calm, welcoming support of Laura and the team at Mr B’s, the group were encouraged to explore, ask questions and take their time finding something that felt right for them.

The books chosen now live at our Alternative Learning Hub, where they will form part of a quiet reading space young people can use whenever they’re feeling overwhelmed or simply need time out. This “Book Nook” gives them the freedom to read at their own pace, without pressure - helping reading become something positive and restorative.

This visit is just one example of how Big Give support is creating real, lasting impact. By funding book tokens, donors have helped open the door to stories, self-belief and new possibilities - supporting young people to build confidence, independence and a healthier relationship with reading.

Thank you to everyone who supported our Big Give campaign, and to Mr B’s Emporium for making our young people feel so welcome. Together, you’re helping stories take young people places - in books, and in life.