Six book challenge 2012 Case studies tag:www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk,2009-09-23://35 2011-11-30T12:41:31Z Movable Type Pro 4.34-en Public libraries develop new models tag:www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk,2011://35.7153 2011-11-28T17:21:13Z 2011-11-30T12:41:31Z Around two-thirds of public library services across the UK take part in the Six Book Challenge each year providing a solid core of support for the scheme through their links with an ever-widening range of partners. As well as adult... Genevieve Clarke Around two-thirds of public library services across the UK take part in the Six Book Challenge each year providing a solid core of support for the scheme through their links with an ever-widening range of partners. As well as adult education, colleges and family learning, this now includes children's centres, community groups, people with mental health issues, day centres for elderly people, parents' groups and schools.

However we're well aware that many library services are confronting enormous change in the form of restructuring and cuts to budgets and capacity. With this in mind, we're developing more guidance and case studies around three main models of delivery.

Intensive model - hands-on delivery with local groups of learners in a library setting. Examples include the way in which Judith Robinson and her colleagues at Kirklees Libraries have linked with a range of community groups and employability courses and worked closely with them to ensure a 100% completion rate. Similarly Mahbuba Khan, in her former role as Bengali outreach worker with Westminster Libraries, encouraged 22 women from a Bengali Women's Reading and Writing Group and an English Speaking Club to take part in the Challenge in 2011, 20 of whom completed the scheme.

Standard model - close working with a range of partners (literacy tutors, family learning practitioners, union learning reps) with joint promotion, delivery, monitoring and data collection. The majority of library services use this model - see our range of case studies from Blaenau Gwent, Inverclyde, London Borough of Brent, Southend and Swindon collected by Neha Matkar as part of her Publishing MA at Kingston University.

'Lite' model - library in a support role to supply stock and promote its resources, but with the partner organisation carrying out hands-on delivery with participants. This works well if all partners have established their respective roles clearly and there are no misplaced expectations. Examples include workplaces where libraries change book collections on a regular basis or adult education classes in which tutors run the Challenge using books provided by their local library. Ideally the library has a chance to promote its wider offer and encourage Six Book Challenge participants and their families to use its facilities.

If you'd like to talk through any of these models, or variations of them, in more detail please contact us and we'd be happy to do so.

]]> Yvonne takes the Challenge at De Montfort tag:www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk,2011://35.6817 2011-10-17T11:05:21Z 2011-10-21T10:20:54Z Yvonne Hirst, aged 50, is a cleaning supervisor at De Montfort University in Leicester where she has worked for 20 years. Having felt that education had bypassed her until recently, Yvonne was encouraged to take part in the Six Book... Genevieve Clarke Yvonne Hirst.JPGYvonne Hirst, aged 50, is a cleaning supervisor at De Montfort University in Leicester where she has worked for 20 years. Having felt that education had bypassed her until recently, Yvonne was encouraged to take part in the Six Book Challenge by Unison ULR Andrew Jennison, who got more than 100 employees involved at De Montfort this year.

"I noticed a poster about the Challenge and was interested in what it was about," explains Yvonne. "Andrew was going around the campus letting people know how and when to sign up. It sounded fun putting down what you read in a diary and the thought of maybe winning a prize.

"At first I thought I couldn't do it because I wasn't very good at reading," says Yvonne. But, knowing that she had been diagnosed as dyslexic when signing up for a Skills for Life course the previous year, Andrew introduced the Quick Reads to Yvonne. He'd been able to persuade HR Training & Development to purchase several sets to support the Challenge.

Yvonne felt that the page set-up, the size of the text and the colour of the paper used in the Quick Reads titles helped immediately. "They were spot on!" she says. "It was also interesting to read books on different topics. I enjoy reading books about children, but the book I really enjoyed was Raw Voices with a foreword by Vanessa Feltz.

It took Yvonne about two months to complete the Six Book Challenge. She's also just finished another Skills for Life course and feels that the combination has been a good one: "I have been very fortunate that I have had the opportunity to learn and take part in the Challenge while working at DMU. I am very proud of what I have achieved over the last two years. I'm more confident about reading now and I've always got my head in a book. It's helping with my spelling too."

Yvonne is also keen to encourage other people to take up the Six Book Challenge in their workplaces. "It doesn't matter who you are, have a go at it. It has helped me. Find a union learning rep, and ask what it all involves. I have enjoyed it and will definitely take part again next year."

]]> Tanya's Six Book Challenge poem tag:www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk,2011://35.6747 2011-10-07T16:27:29Z 2011-10-07T16:33:03Z Tanya has cerebral palsy and is a wheelchair user. Her husband of nine years is also disabled. Born in Penrith, Cumbria where she was left in hospital by her mother, she has since overcome many other challenges in her life,... Genevieve Clarke Tanya has cerebral palsy and is a wheelchair user. Her husband of nine years is also disabled. Born in Penrith, Cumbria where she was left in hospital by her mother, she has since overcome many other challenges in her life, including periods in and out of residential care, lots of moves around the country, and being a single parent to a son who tragically died in 2005.

Tanya completed the Six Book Challenge as a learner at South Worcestershire College with the support of her tutor Pat Jones and library staff at Malvern Library. She says:

"This was the first time I've ever done the Six Book Challenge, and I thought it was brilliant. I heard about it from my tutor at college, where I'm studying maths and English.
At first I wasn't sure what the Challenge would entail. I can't spell or write very well, but I like reading and I belong to the library. I like reading true life stories, so I read books including ones about Shakespeare, Anne Frank, and David Beckham, and I was proud of myself when I completed the Challenge.

"My favourite book which I read for the Challenge was about Van Gogh. I like Van Gogh's paintings but I didn't know too much about him until I read this book: it opened my eyes.
The Six Book Challenge showed me that you shouldn't just look at a book's cover and decide that you won't like it. If you look beyond its covers it can teach you all sorts of different things. Doing the Challenge was different, and I am going to do it again next year - it brings your eyes open and it makes you see new things."

This year, students at South Worcestershire College in Malvern, including Tanya, explored poetry to accompany their reading in the Six Book Challenge. Tanya wrote a poem which won her a prize, a book, and was used on the college's Six Book Challenge blog:

The Six Book Challenge has been great
I have made lots of friends
Sometimes it was hard
Sometimes confusing
But a lot of times it was fun
And on the afternoon of 12th May 2011
We are going for a walk ...
That should be a big CHALLENGE!

Tanya says: "There were about seven of us doing the Challenge, and we were asked to write a poem or something for the college's Six Book Challenge blog. That was the first time I have ever written a poem, but what I wrote was no one else's idea, it was mine. I just started it, and it just kind of reeled off out of me!

"For anyone thinking of doing the Six Book Challenge but feeling a bit nervous, I'd say ;Don't put yourself down - give it a go!'"

]]> Margaret overcomes challenge of dyslexia tag:www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk,2011://35.6488 2011-09-25T17:45:19Z 2011-10-07T16:34:56Z Margaret lives in South Oxhey, near Watford, and worked for 35 years as a hospital cleaner. Now retired, she cares for her husband who has Parkinson's Disease. She explains: "It all began when my daughter emigrated two years ago. I... Genevieve Clarke Margaret lives in South Oxhey, near Watford, and worked for 35 years as a hospital cleaner. Now retired, she cares for her husband who has Parkinson's Disease. She explains:

"It all began when my daughter emigrated two years ago. I have dyslexia, so I used to rely on her for everything to do with letters and correspondence, especially since my husband has not been able to write. My daughter had set me up with a computer and Skype, but I didn't feel confident about writing emails to her, so I was really depressed with myself.

"I had no confidence in my spelling or reading and writing. For many years, especially at work, I used to cover it up. Even when I got involved with my trade union at the hospital, I would always try to avoid writing - when we would have meetings, I would never take notes; I have a very good memory and I would rely on that.

"But after my daughter emigrated I went to my local library. I remember that my legs were shaking with nerves, but I managed to ask if I could to talk to someone who could help me with computers, and one of the library staff came over. She was very understanding and a really good listener and I found myself pouring all my story out, including that I have dyslexia."

In the past 18 months, Margaret has learnt how to use a computer at IT taster courses, taken literacy and confidence building courses with one of Hertfordshire County Council's partner providers, joined the Quick Reads book group at Oxhey Library and has completed the Six Book Challenge 2011.

"When I first heard about the Six Book Challenge I wasn't sure if I would like it, but when we started reading the Quick Reads books I found them very easy to read. I found I was able to read a book a week to complete the Challenge. Before, I wasn't reading at all, I just wasn't interested - I'd say I learned to read as a child from the Beano and the Dandy , looking at the pictures! I think I missed out on a lot over the years; for example when friends moved away and asked me to stay in touch, I'd run up huge phone bills because I could never sit down and write them a letter. But now, thanks to the classes I have been taking and the Six Book Challenge, I can read all my correspondence."

Margaret has won the Overcoming Challenges award this year (2011) in the Adult Learner Awards run by Hertfordshire Adult and Family Learning Service (HAFLS).

"The Six Book Challenge has definitely encouraged me to read more. I read pretty much every other day now - magazines and things, and now I can read knitting patterns properly. It has changed my life and made me think that there is more to it - there are now so many things I want to do.

"And I have more confidence now. I am proud of myself for what I have achieved. Age is just a number - you are never too old to learn!"

]]> Jean rediscovers the joy of reading tag:www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk,2011://35.6441 2011-09-18T10:03:15Z 2011-09-18T10:12:14Z Jean Matthews took part in the Six Book Challenge through Bolton College. She explains: "After the sister whom I cared for passed away last year, people were saying that I should try and get out more. I have another sister... Genevieve Clarke Jean Matthews took part in the Six Book Challenge through Bolton College. She explains:
"After the sister whom I cared for passed away last year, people were saying that I should try and get out more. I have another sister who is dyslexic who goes to college, so I decided to go along to support her.

"I first heard about the Six Book Challenge from Linda, one of our tutors. I wasn't sure at first, because I hadn't read for a long time and I had my homework to do, but I'm on my own at home so I thought I could get into it.

"I treated it as a challenge and decided to pick up books that I might not immediately think of reading. I read murder stories, true stories, mysteries and sci fi books, and I like love stories.

"I have always loved reading, but the last time I read a book was in 2001, and even then I didn't finish it. I found that as I read I was noticing how things like apostrophes and full stops and speech marks were being used. I'd had a big problem with them, but I was learning how to use them properly from my reading.

"My sister and my friend and I finished the Challenge pretty quickly, in about two weeks, but we kept going right until the end of term - we were taking out about three or four books at a time.

"There was a special presentation ceremony and I was one of the people who made a speech. I felt on top of the world - never in my life before have I got a certificate for anything!

"Now I have also passed my Level 2 English and I've become a library member again. I'm going to go on and study Level 3 English next year because I'm really enjoying it.

"I've found that reading and doing the Six Book Challenge has really boosted my confidence. I spend a lot of time being down on myself, being very self-critical, but I am coming out of that now. I'd encourage anyone to try the Six Book Challenge. Start reading and take it slowly, and every time you complete a book, your confidence will go up!"

]]> Keith says "Just give reading a go". tag:www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk,2011:/2012//35.6409 2011-09-11T19:00:04Z 2011-09-11T19:25:30Z Keith Orrell was knocked down in a road accident as a young man and lost the ability to read and write. He worked for 25 years as a night shift warehouse supervisor for a local supermarket, but is now attending... Genevieve Clarke Keith Orrell was knocked down in a road accident as a young man and lost the ability to read and write. He worked for 25 years as a night shift warehouse supervisor for a local supermarket, but is now attending Bolton College while he looks for another job.

"I started going to college to improve my reading and writing through my local job centre. I've found it very easy - my tutors are all really helpful. They are always encouraging and they really understand people like me - they want you to do well.

"It was at college that I first found out about the Six Book Challenge - I started and just kept reading all the books, especially sci fi and murder mystery books. I found I finished the Challenge really quickly, I was reading more and more books every week!

"When I got my certificate for finishing I was over the moon - it is the first certificate I have ever got for anything and I couldn't believe it, but it gave me a lot of confidence. I gave a speech at the ceremony where we got our certificates. I really want to encourage more people to do the Challenge and to learn how to read and write. Even if you just read the first few letters in a book, you will have made a start, and you will learn. Don't be shy, just because you can't read or write it doesn't mean that you are not clever, you will pick it up, and your tutors will help you, and you will be really helping yourself.

"I know it can sometimes be harder for men to learn to read or write or to get help with their reading and writing, but you should definitely not be ashamed. I am doing something about it, and I can read better now, and I am proud about that. I used to get my letters confused, but the more I read the more I recognise them and can make sentences. I know it will take time for me to learn but I am going to keep going. I have passed my Level 2 English, so I have nothing to be ashamed of.

"Now I really enjoy reading. I find it helps me relax better. I am a big cinema and movies fan, so now I buy lots of books about the cinema, and reading them helps clear my mind. I can put my feet up and read a book all day, or before I go to bed and I feel more relaxed.

"I'd say to anyone who might have problems with their reading and writing just try any book, it doesn't matter what book, and try reading it to yourself. Don't give in. You will get there, and you will be proud of yourself."

]]> Brent completer looks forward to her next Challenge tag:www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk,2011:/2012//35.6408 2011-09-11T18:23:06Z 2011-09-11T18:50:09Z Noelle Ramjeee came to the UK in the 1970s and worked as a nursing auxiliary. Since retiring in 2008 she has been going to college in Brent and has recently taken her Level 2 English exam. "I first heard about... Genevieve Clarke Noelle Ramjeee came to the UK in the 1970s and worked as a nursing auxiliary. Since retiring in 2008 she has been going to college in Brent and has recently taken her Level 2 English exam.

"I first heard about the Six Book Challenge in 2009, when a librarian from Kilburn Library came to college to tell us about it. I've now done the 2010 and 2011 Six Book Challenges, which has been the biggest surprise to me, because I never used to read! As soon as I got one of those little Quick Reads books I couldn't put them down. I would read in the middle of the night, and I found that I really enjoyed it, and it inspired me to think about what I was going to read next.

"I also enjoyed keeping my Six Book Challenge reading diary, saying what I thought about the books I'd read. Every book I read for the Challenge is another step forward, and it inspires me to read more books: I'm already thinking about which ones I will read for my third Challenge next year.

"One of my favourite books was about Florence Nightingale. So I volunteered to do a review of it onstage at Willesden Green Llibrary where they held a ceremony for all the completers which was attended by Quick Reads author Lucy Cavendish. She asked me afterwards how I had managed to memorise my review. I said that it was because I love Florence Nightingale - it is because of her that we have the NHS today.

"Reading with the Six Book Challenge has really opened doors for me. I love writing book reviews, and I am now interested in doing an Improving Your Writing course at college.

"Reading also helps me to relax and to gain more knowledge to use in everyday life. It gives me more words to use to communicate with people. Some people don't realise what they are throwing away by not reading. You can borrow books for free at your local library and now I have joined a reading group at Harlesden Library, which I really enjoy going to, hearing everyone give their opinion about the book we are reading.

"I would say that anyone can read. Also, remember that reading is like a river of no return: the more you read, the more you want to know what is coming next."

]]> Mother of six finds time for reading tag:www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk,2011:/2012//35.6407 2011-09-11T17:57:48Z 2011-09-11T18:59:46Z Kirsty, mother to six children aged from 11 to 18 months, started going to Bolton College in November 2010 to do numeracy and English with the ambition of becoming a teaching assistant. "Going to college has been the best thing... Genevieve Clarke Kirsty, mother to six children aged from 11 to 18 months, started going to Bolton College in November 2010 to do numeracy and English with the ambition of becoming a teaching assistant.

"Going to college has been the best thing I ever did, even if I was very nervous at the beginning. I'd left school with no qualifications at all, because when I was about 14 my parents moved us to Spain, but that didn't work out. After we came back, I got myself a job in hairdressing and then when I started having my children I was at home looking after them.

"But I wanted to work, so I went to the job centre where an advisor put me in touch with the college. I wanted to show my kids that it's good to work and try to better yourself. I also wanted to be able to help them with their homework - I am slightly dyslexic and that also meant I had found it difficult to help them.

"I first heard about the Six Book Challenge from Kath, one of the tutors at my college.
I'd never been a library member of anything like that - since I'd left school, I'd only read Pet Cemetery, which took me ages, and just one other book. So initially I thought 'No way - I haven't got enough time to do this as well as go to college'.

"But I do love a challenge, and it did sound good. So I thought I'd give it a go. I don't know what happened, but I found that I had the time to read it.. I think I'd just forgotten how enjoyable reading is. I was grabbing five minutes here and there to read, but it helped me that the Quick Reads books were short stories. The kids started picking up books and reading too - they were copying me.

"I think that if you find you are enjoying reading, you make time for it. I managed to read the six books in 12 weeks, and I felt extremely proud of myself. I'd proved something and it was a really big thing for me; I realised that before I'd been using the kids as a bit of an excuse.

"Feeling good about reading has given more confidence generally. Now I'm reading thicker books, and I can do things like read out the ingredients when the children are helping me cook, whereas before I wouldn't, just in case I pronounced something wrongly. Reading makes me think more and has given me bigger horizons, which is definitely something that I would also wish for my kids.

"It's also definitely helped me with my studying. I've just passed my Level 1 numeracy and English, and I'm going to carry on next year and study for Level 2. I also want to do an Introduction to School course, to work towards being a teaching assistant.

"I am not usually very good at standing up and talking in front of people, but I gave a short speech about what doing the Six Book Challenge had meant to me. I'd thought that with six kids I had no chance, but there is always a chance. I got a lot of nice comments afterwards around college - people would come up to me and congratulate me, as the lady who has six kids but who had done the Six Book Challenge, which made me feel proud.

"To anyone out there, like me, who might be a bit nervous or worried about trying to do the Six Book Challenge, I would say: 'Just give it a go'. I would definitely like to thank my tutors for introducing me to the Challenge and encouraging me to do it."

]]> Another David Cameron gets into reading tag:www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk,2011://26.5001 2011-05-23T17:01:46Z 2011-05-23T17:06:25Z David Cameron currently works for the Subway sandwich chain and has been studying English in adult literacy classes at Trafford College since autumn 2010: "I joined up basically to improve my English. That was where I first heard about the... Genevieve Clarke David Cameron currently works for the Subway sandwich chain and has been studying English in adult literacy classes at Trafford College since autumn 2010:

"I joined up basically to improve my English. That was where I first heard about the Six Book Challenge. Our tutor told us about it and said she'd like us all to give it a go as a way of improving our reading. I thought 'Well I'll have a go, but I won't finish it.' I hadn't read a book since I was about 12 years old, and I'd definitely never finished a book on my own!

"The first three books I read were Quick Reads. They were great, because they were short and sweet. I found that really helpful at first, but then I went on to reading bigger books. At first it wasn't easy - sometimes I'd get to the middle of a book and start to lose concentration, but then I would put that book down and try something else. I finished the Six Book Challenge and I just kept on reading.

"Now I read like it's going out of fashion. I've bought a couple of books, and I got some for Christmas, but I also get books out of the library at college, and I've joined three local libraries. I like crime books, by authors like Lee Child and James Patterson.

"Reading more has definitely improved my speech. I can use more words, and bigger words and explain things better. My English has come on in leaps and bounds - I've passed my Level 1 literacy, and I'm going to do my Level 2 next year. It has also helped me at work; I feel more confident about my spelling and writing things down.

"I've also got more to talk to people about. Now I'm always talking about the latest book I've read, with friends and on the golf course or wherever. Reading has given me a lot more confidence. I believe in myself a lot more now."

]]> Our oldest Challenge completer? tag:www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk,2011://26.4727 2011-04-26T13:18:25Z 2011-04-26T13:24:13Z The Prince of Wales residential home in Ipswich has 49 residents in their 80s and 90s, many of whom have sight problems and varying stages of dementia. Suffolk Libraries visit the home but Pat Palmer, the activities co-ordinator, also has... Genevieve Clarke Maggie Millbank The Prince of Wales residential home in Ipswich has 49 residents in their 80s and 90s, many of whom have sight problems and varying stages of dementia. Suffolk Libraries visit the home but Pat Palmer, the activities co-ordinator, also has a library card for nearby Chantry Library to select and order books for residents. "Pat was very keen to try and get a reading group started," explains Sue Francis, manager of the At Home Library Service. "I visited the residents and we kicked off by chatting about books and what type of books we liked reading. We had a fun session about which books they would recommend to the Queen, to a friend, to someone they disliked etc. Because the attention span of the residents is quite short it was obvious that after beginning a book they would forget about it after the first chapter so I suggested poetry or short stories.

"Pat subsequently held reading group sessions with the residents with shared reading of short stories, some as short as only four or five pages," continues Sue. "The first time the residents all clapped, they had enjoyed it so much. I suggested to Pat that they should do the Six Book Challenge by reading short stories in a group setting. It has proven to be very popular and rewarding and has encouraged many of the residents to become keen on books and reading. Our head of libraries Roger McMaster visited the home to present certificates to those who had taken part in the Challenge, including Maggie Millbank aged 100. By participating in the Challenge and liaising with the AHLS it has enriched the lives of the residents, and added value by sharing and expressing themselves in a comfortable group setting within the home."

The reading group, with up to 14 members, meets regularly every Monday morning and they are taking part in the Six Book Challenge again this year. "We have one resident who reads the story," explains Pat, "and then we have a long chat about it. They love to listen and then join in the discussion. I've learnt so much more about the residents.

"You'd be so surprised at all the laughter and fun we have. There's always someone with a funny story to tell. They were a quiet group but this has really got the communication going and provoked so many memories. It's brilliant and I can't thank the library enough. There should be a reading group like this everywhere."

]]> Boots Logistics Training Centre tag:www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk,2011://26.4190 2011-03-28T20:45:05Z 2011-03-28T20:50:34Z It can be daunting to run the Six Book Challenge on a large site spread over a different departments. The key will always be good communication and teamwork to ensure that participation can be spread equally. At the Boots depot... Genevieve Clarke It can be daunting to run the Six Book Challenge on a large site spread over a different departments. The key will always be good communication and teamwork to ensure that participation can be spread equally.

At the Boots depot just outside Nottinghamm Sarah Orridge has set herself the task of reaching out to existing readers and would-be readers who come in to her Logistics Training Centre and those who work in the warehouses surrounding it. Supported by her learning team and Mel Thwaites from Nottinghamshire Libraries she has made a great start since launching in February. There are 25 people signed up and they are already reporting the benefits of reading.

"The Six Book Challenge has been a great way to push me to read my books," comments one warehouse worker. "I make time to read now giving me 'my time'. Reading has helped me sleep at night. Taking my book to bed relaxes me and clears my head space enabling me to get into the book and the characters' lives."

Over in Outbound (another warehouse) there is a reading chart on the wall so the ten staff in that section can tick off the books as they finish them. The Challenge is getting regular mentions at team talks, and will launch with the night shift at the end of March.

"I think the Six Book Challenge is really taking off within Boots," reports Sarah. "We have one lady on her 10th book and she just wants to keep going. It's great for me to champion such a wonderful activity as I get to meet new people. 
Being involved with Mel Thwaites in the library service has helped a lot as we share ideas on how to keep the Challenge alive."

]]> Welsh bakers take up the Challenge tag:www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk,2011://26.4118 2011-03-28T09:24:44Z 2011-03-31T08:00:24Z Premier Foods RF Brookes in Gwent was one of the very first workplaces in Wales to take up the Six Book Challenge when they ran it in 2010. Even in the first year Vicky Watkins, BFAWU (Bakers' Union) project coordinator... Genevieve Clarke Premier Foods RF Brookes in Gwent was one of the very first workplaces in Wales to take up the Six Book Challenge when they ran it in 2010. Even in the first year Vicky Watkins, BFAWU (Bakers' Union) project coordinator for the Welsh Union Learning Fund, made it a big success.

Vicky organised an author visit to help celebrate the Challenge. Welsh Queen of Crime, Catrin Collier, author of Quick Read Black Eyed Devils, gladly accepted the invitation and the event proved very popular. She made sure there were plenty of copies of Catrin's books and many people went away with a signed copy.

Not content with just one company and one site, Vicky contacted other bakeries in the area and all showed interest. In 2011, as well as RF Brookes, Memory Lane Cakes, Allied Bakeries, Burton Biscuits, and Avana will all run the Challenge. This goes to show how a good idea can really take hold. Vicky is a big fan of the Quick Reads, which she uses for the Challenge. "You can get straight into them," she says.

Every year the Challenge goes from strength to strength in this corner of Wales with growing support from the public libraries in the region. 'We can't wait for the next one," enthuses Vicky.

]]> POA learning centre at Ashworth Hospital tag:www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk,2011://26.4116 2011-03-28T09:22:18Z 2011-03-28T20:35:02Z This very busy learning centre at Ashworth Hospital in Maghull on Merseyside supports both NHS and prison staff. Reading has long been high on the list of what the centre has to offer with the Quick Reads incorporated into literacy... Genevieve Clarke This very busy learning centre at Ashworth Hospital in Maghull on Merseyside supports both NHS and prison staff. Reading has long been high on the list of what the centre has to offer with the Quick Reads incorporated into literacy tuition. But beyond that reading for pleasure is seen as an important part of the 'well-being' agenda.

'It's about taking a break from the computer," says Lorraine Lewis, manager of the POA learning centre. "A book takes you away from the workplace. Actually reading for your own pleasure rather than work is a stress release. When people get back into reading you see a massive improvement in understanding, in punctuation, and grammar."

Latterly they've seized on the Six Book Challenge as an effective tool to spread the message further. There are ten linked learning points to this one learning centre and staff will be visiting them all during Adult Learners' Week to promote the Challenge. Lorraine says 'We get all kinds of people coming in from porters to nursery assistants and we do lots of well-being days. We get a lot of support from the Merseycare Trust. They really value what we're doing."

The books on the shelves reflect the wide variety of interests, from Quick Reads such as Adele Geras' Lily, to books by Doris Stokes, the Most Haunted series, and Twilight. Bit of a ghost theme there?

Maghull is just one of several POA learning centres being encouraged to take part in the Six Book Challenge. "The Six Book Challenge is a great tool for the ULRs to use and is an effective way to encourage the hard to reach learners to embrace reading, some for the first time in their lives," comments Phil Kelly, Head of Learning at the POA. "It's a great way to encourage learners to other progression routes in a safe and friendly way, building their confidence and skills to move on to more formal adult literacy qualifications."

]]> Lancashire Care NHS tag:www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk,2011://26.4115 2011-03-28T09:20:09Z 2011-03-28T20:42:54Z The Challenge has gone well with staff in many NHS settings, especially in the North West. But Lancashire Care may be setting the bar even higher with over 300 participants signed up for 2011, 100 in the first two weeks.... Genevieve Clarke The Challenge has gone well with staff in many NHS settings, especially in the North West. But Lancashire Care may be setting the bar even higher with over 300 participants signed up for 2011, 100 in the first two weeks. 'We're over the moon," says Ray Southworth, Training Administrator. "It's been far far better than we ever thought."

The main problem Ray and his team have had is satisfying demand. With Challenge activity spread over 14 sites, it was always going to be tricky to make sure all were moving at the same pace. At first they planned to limit the Challenge to one or two sites but then decided to go all out and involve them all. It's proved particularly successful for each site to have a 'learning champion' who takes on the role of promoting the Six Book Challenge. There has been good support for the Challenge across both day and night shifts, though it is hoped that they can get more involvement from porters and domestic staff.

Ray has even started his own 'book group'. There are 14 staff in his building and books for the Challenge are kept in the canteen. When Ray brings in new books from the library he just sends round an email to all staff in the building alerting them to what he's brought in. Staff can take them out and talk to each other what they thought of the books.

]]> Suffolk uses Big Quick Read to support the Challenge tag:www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk,2010://26.2599 2010-12-13T16:59:53Z 2010-12-15T13:23:24Z "The Six Book Challenge has been a bit of a revelation to us this year," says Roger McMaster, Head of Suffolk Libraries. "We joined forces with the widest range of partners yet to promote the Challenge to people at all... Genevieve Clarke "The Six Book Challenge has been a bit of a revelation to us this year," says Roger McMaster, Head of Suffolk Libraries. "We joined forces with the widest range of partners yet to promote the Challenge to people at all different levels of comfort with their reading. Our Challengers ranged in age from 14 to 100 years old. Whether it has been taken up in secondary schools, adult literacy classes, reading groups, prisons, workplaces or residential homes, the Six Book Challenge has been a genuinely heartening experience that has helped us and our partners deliver real learning outcomes."

Suffolk Reads co-ordinator Tracy Bose also set up a Big Quick Read for the county using Bernardine Evaristo's book about knife crime called Hello Mum. "Many of our participants read Hello Mum as one of their six choices and with 25,000 free copies of the book distributed so far it has introduced new audiences to the Quick Read titles. The many community events based around the Big Quick Read and the visits from Bernardine herself have been a fantastic way of promoting the Six Book Challenge and reading generally," says Tracy.

Suffolk Libraries now have great plans for the Challenge in 2011, including the exciting idea of working with two recently formed 'literacy enthusiasts' community based groups to link a range of partners and volunteers in their areas in support of the Six Book Challenge.

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