Transforming Children’s Lives Through Literacy with Topic Heroes®

Literacy charity Topic Heroes® calls on the print industry to join forces and foster future generations of readers and writers

Topic Heroes®, a groundbreaking literacy charity founded by Lucy Swanston, Managing Director of Nutshell Creative, is making strides in tackling the literacy crisis among children in the UK. In collaboration with Richard Pepper, founder of funkypigeon.com, the charity aims to provide free access to Topic Heroes® for every child in primary school—bridging the gap in literacy and cultivating a future generation that cherishes books and print.

“As a mum of three boys, it was a struggle to keep them engaged with reading and writing. I knew I had to find a creative way to inspire them,” explains Lucy Swanston, founder of Topic Heroes®. “I realised that I wasn’t alone in this struggle, many parents face the same challenge. That’s why we created Topic Heroes®; to make reading and writing fun and accessible for all children, helping them to discover the joy of books and the power of their own creativity.”

Why Literacy Matters More Than Ever

The literacy crisis in the UK is staggering, with nearly one million children aged 5 to 18 lacking a book of their own. The most recent academic year saw 187,000 children not meeting the expected literacy standards, imposing a societal cost estimated at £830 million per cohort of five-year-olds.

Topic Heroes® aims to address this crisis by offering a creative and interactive literacy platform designed with support from leading literacy academics and aligned with the National Curriculum.

Each Topic Heroes® journey allows children to engage deeply with subjects like Climate Change, Monsters, Victorians, Sports, and more. Upon completing their journey, children receive their very own professionally printed and personalised book, a tangible reward for their efforts that they can enjoy and share with friends and family.

Empowering the Future of Print

Beyond improving literacy, Topic Heroes® has a unique impact on the printing industry. By fostering a love of reading and books, the charity is helping secure a future for print in a digital age.

As children develop an appreciation for books, they contribute to sustaining a readership that values printed materials. This symbiotic relationship ensures that as literacy flourishes, so does the demand for print.

Richard Pepper, who has experienced literacy struggles himself, emphasises the importance of this mission: "As a dyslexic, I’ve personally experienced the challenges that come with literacy struggles, and I know how important it is to support children in finding their own path to reading and writing," he shares. “Joining Topic Heroes® was an easy decision for me because it’s a cause close to my heart. I’m proud to support an initiative that not only helps children develop vital literacy skills but also instils a lifelong love for reading and writing, which in turn creates volume for the print industry.”

A Call to Action – Building the Future of Literacy and Print

With a dedicated board of trustees and volunteers, Topic Heroes® has already completed several successful pilots in local schools as well as partnering with careers hubs, providing a bespoke activity-based topic book to get children thinking about their skills and achievements and how to use these to support their journey into the world of work.

Now, Topic Heroes® is calling on the printing industry to help bring its vision to every primary-school-aged child in the UK. Every donation plays a crucial role in supporting this transformative cause. Every contribution helps ensure that no child is left behind in the literacy journey—and, ultimately, that the love of print is passed down to future generations.

Every £10,000 raised provides over 4000 children with their own Topic Heroes® book.

To learn more about Topic Heroes® and how to contribute, visit: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/help-improve-childrens-engagement-with-literacy

Source: National Literacy Trust 2023 / Pro Bono Economics and National Literacy Trust 2023

Topic Heroes is a registered charity: 1197526