Two Beyond Words Book Club members enjoying a story together
A Beyond Words Book Club member reading a story with a key worker
A Beyond Words Book Club member telling a story to key workers

A Book Club That Changes Lives

Five people sitting in a circle reading a word-free book in a community space.

Book Club in a Box

Beyond Words Book Clubs use word-free stories to enable people with learning disabilities to connect, grow and thrive.

Whether you’re a carer, educator, health professional or someone with learning disabilities, you can get involved.

Now, with our Book Club in a Box, you can start your own club - completely for free.

Jazz Beham with a Book Club reader joyfully holding a framed Book Club of the year certificate

Jazz Behan, Book Club Facilitator, Aldingbourne Trust

“It’s been an amazing experience for me - it’s such a rewarding thing to do. I look forward to it every two weeks. It’s a lovely way to spend an afternoon - and to see the impact it has.”

A support worker with a Book Club member reading a word-free story

How Do Book Clubs Work?

  • Meet anywhere: libraries, day centres, cafes or online

  • Run 45 - 60 minute sessions - weekly, fortnightly or monthly

  • Use one Books Beyond Words title per session - explore the story together

  • Talk, share, listen and laugh - everyone’s input is valued

Thumbs up from a older male book club member

Why Are Book Clubs Needed?

People who struggle with words can often find a voice through pictures. Our word-free books:

  • Enhance Communication: They enable participants to express themselves without the barrier of text.

  • Build Confidence and Connections: Book Clubs encourage storytelling for people who often don’t have a voice to find their own.

  • Address Real-Life Topics: The books cover subjects like relationships, health and personal experiences, prompting new conversations and learning.

Thousands of people with learning disabilities across the country are using Beyond Words Book Clubs with transformative effects.

  • Visual literacy has improved with all the students - they are now reading people's body language, through looking at the characters and asking open questions, 'I wonder how they are feeling', 'I wonder how they are doing'.

    Leigh Blakeman, Tutor
    Chadsgrove Education Trust Specialist College

  • During book club meetings, we've talked about difficult emotions, emotional regulation, and healthy relationships… to support the development of communication skills and the expression of empathy and self-reflection.

    Kelly O’Brien, Health Improvement Practitioner Specialist (SEND)
    Manchester Healthy Schools Programme

  • I think Book Clubs are brilliant. The books are good, the people are good and you make new friends as well!

    Julie Anderson, Self Advocate and Book Club Co-Facilitator

Get Your Free
Book Club in a Box

This starter pack contains everything you need to start your own life-changing Book Club - and it is free for groups in England

✔️ 30 Word-Free Picture Books - covering real-life topics

✔️ Step-by-Step Facilitator Guide - no experience needed

✔️ Online & In-Person Training - support from our team

✔️ Posters - to help with promotion

✔️ Emotion Charts - to help members record feelings

✔️ Lanyards and Membership Cards - to build a sense of identity

Who Can Set Up A
Beyond Words Book Club?

Anyone can set up a Beyond Words Book Club, but they are ideal for:

  • People with learning disabilities

  • Parents and carers

  • Day service providers

  • Library staff

  • Schools, Colleges and SEN units

  • Advocacy and support organisations

  • Community and faith groups

No prior experience is necessary. We’ll give you all the training you need, and you can get a monthly refresher at our monthly online club.

Why Beyond Words
Book Clubs Matter

Too many people with learning disabilities are being excluded from conversations about their own lives - health, relationships, aspirations.

Beyond Words Book Clubs break down those barriers.

  • No literacy required

  • Accessible to all communication styles

  • Addresses life topics with dignity and empathy

  • Fosters inclusion

Beyond Words Book Clubs Near You

There are over 100 Beyond Words Book Clubs in England.

  • By facilitating a Beyond Words Book Club, you will provide a platform for voices that might otherwise go unheard

    Professor Sheila Baroness Hollins
    Founder Chair Books Beyond Words CIO

  • We have seen service users grow in confidence... sharing your own stories gives a sense of identity, self-worth and increases self-esteem.

    Yasmin Bandali, Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist
    Hounslow Adult Learning Disability Health Team

  • It was great to hear everyone having a voice which meant that everyone was learning from each other. This gave the Book Club members the opportunity for their experiences, knowledge and interpretations to be heard and valued.

    Stephen Kill, National Eye Care Services Development Manager
    SeeAbility

FAQs

A support dog seeming to read a word-free story

  • No problem. The box includes a comprehensive guide and access to free training sessions to support you every step of the way.

  • Absolutely. Many clubs successfully operate via Zoom or similar platforms.

  • Yes! You get a pack of word-free books and resources, and it’s available to organisations and individuals in England, thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund.

  • Simply book an appointment with our friendly team by emailing us at bookclubs@booksbeyondwords.co.uk

What Makes Beyond Words Book Clubs so Transformative?

Amanda talks about what her Book Club means to her.

Beyond Words Book Clubs aren’t just about books - they’re about belonging, understanding and self-expression.

Empower Self-Expression

Members explore complex topics - like relationships, grief or health - and discover they can share their own thoughts and stories.

Create Deep Human Connection

Each club becomes a trusted space for building relationships, celebrating identity and reducing isolation. It’s more than reading — it’s being heard and being seen.

Build Confidence and Purpose

Facilitators and members alike grow in self-esteem. People with learning disabilities can co-lead clubs, gaining social confidence.

Support Emotional Wellbeing

Clubs give people space to explore feelings and life challenges in a safe, supported environment — helping reduce anxiety and to build resilience.

Ready to Help Someone Find Their Voice?

Starting a Beyond Words Book Club doesn’t just bring people together, it gives people with learning disabilities the confidence to express who they are.

Together we can build communities where everyone can be heard.

Request your Free Book Club in a Box today.

Sue Carmichael with Julie holding the word-free book The Book Club authored by Julie

Sue Carmichael, Book Club Champion, Kent Libraries and Books Beyond Words

“Hosting Beyond Words Book Clubs for the past 14 years has been one of the greatest joys of my life. These clubs don’t just bring people together - they create deep connections through the sharing of stories.”