Book club scheme enables thousands of people to discuss complex issues
For many people, joining a book club is an opportunity to connect with others, share ideas and discover new stories. But for people with learning disabilities, traditional book clubs can present significant barriers, writes Gemma Sugarman, Beyond Words stakeholder manager.
Charity Beyond Words developed Book Club in a Box with National Lottery Community Fund support.
Since the project began in 2024, close to 300 book clubs have been established across England, and they are now in operation across 104 counties, reaching an estimated 3,000 book club members.
Beyond Words’ word-free picture books help people with learning disabilities or communication difficulties understand and discuss important life experiences, including health, relationships, emotions and everyday living.
Books are designed to support people who find text difficult, allowing them to explore complex topics through pictures and shared discussion.
Book Club in a Box provides organisations including support services, libraries, NHS trusts, schools, colleges and community groups with everything they need to run their own inclusive book club.
Readers develop communication skills, increase self-confidence and create meaningful social connections. Clubs help to reduce loneliness and social isolation and, for many members, provide a rare opportunity to discuss important topics in a supportive environment where every contribution is valued.
Book club member Simon (surname withheld), who leads a book club in a secure residential unit, said: “The book Feeling Cross and Sorting It Out has been very helpful. People really relate to the book… a lot of the members struggle with their anger, and the book was very helpful, showing boundaries, how they feel and what to say.”
Beyond Words recognises the achievements of their book clubs through their annual awards.
Book club facilitator Jazz Behan, whose club, Creative Spaces Book Club at Sussex-based charity Aldingbourne Trust, was awarded Book Club of the Year 2025, said: “Facilitating the book club has been a privilege and an incredible journey. Seeing firsthand the positive impact these sessions have had, and to see our clients light up and connect, highlights the power of books.
“Our book club is more than just books – it is about belonging, self-expression and the joy of shared experiences.”
For those involved in delivering the programme, the most rewarding aspect is seeing people grow in confidence and discover their voice.
It is about belonging, self-expression and the joy of shared experiences
Spreading the word
Beyond Words hopes to continue expanding the programme so that even more people can benefit from the power of accessible reading and discussion.
Book Club in a Box faces challenges. Ensuring that clubs can reach underserved communities, secure sustainable funding and recruiting and supporting facilitators all requires ongoing effort.
The charity rises to this by taking a data-led approach to the project and funding applications, and by ensuring facilitators are supported through ongoing networking and one-to-one meetings as well as regular newsletters.
Responding to these challenges is more than worthwhile as it ensures the ongoing positive impact that the project has on participants and communities can be maintained.
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All Update stories are by Saba Salman unless otherwise stated
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