The latest addition to the Books Beyond Words series, Belonging, was launched on 19 March at a symposium event with Access All Areas theatre company in Shoreditch Town Hall, London.
‘Belonging’ launched at symposium with Access All Areas
Vivian reviews 'Finding a Safe Place from Abuse'
Staff announcement
Stephen Hall will be leaving us this month. We are sorry to see Stephen move on after a busy year as Beyond Words' first CEO. We want to warmly thank him for his commitment to Beyond Words and for bringing it to where we are today. We wish him all the best in his future work.
Nick Wright, currently a Non-Executive Director of Beyond Words, will be stepping in as Chief Executive. Nick is a passionate advocate for the work of Beyond Words and has extensive experience in the publishing of board games and jigsaw puzzles. Please do say hello to Nick and help him to get to know our friends and customers. He can be contacted on nwright@booksbeyondwords.co.uk.
Professor the Baroness Sheila Hollins
Executive Director
Beyond Words
On behalf of the Board of Directors.
An article by Baroness Hollins to mark World Book Day
Beyond Words Newsletter - November 2017
WORTH MORE THAN A THOUSAND WORDS
Read the new article in the Tablet by Baroness Hollins around the new book 'Going to Church'
Experience that inspired a Psychiatrist to Create a 'Wordless' Book.
'Going to Church' launched at Lambeth Palace
On 6th September, Beyond Words launched Going to Church, the latest in its series of wordless books for people with learning and communication difficulties. The book is the first in a mini-series about faith and community.
Lambeth Palace, the official London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury, provided an atmospheric and impressive setting for the launch. The event was attended by 100 people from across the learning disability and religious communities.
New book: Going to Church
We are delighted to introduce Going to Church, the latest book in the Beyond Words collection.
The book explores themes of friendship and inclusion, within a church setting. It tells the story of Alan, a young man who discovers what it means to belong to a church community. Alan finds some of the unfamiliar aspects of church difficult at first, but eventually makes friends who help him to become an active part of the community.
Katie Carpenter, a co-author on the book, held a launch at the school where she works as a book club leader. A full launch will be held at Lambeth Palace later this year.
Award for Beyond Words author
Irene Tuffrey-Wijne, co-author of Beyond Words books Am I Going to Die? and Getting on with Cancer, has been awarded the Post-Doctoral Award by the European Association for Palliative Care (EAPC) for her work on palliative care for people with learning disabilities.
Irene also gave a plenary talk at the EAPC conference in Madrid last week, along with Amanda Cresswell, a self-advocate who has worked closely with Beyond Words for many years (see photo above).
Irene and Amanda spoke passionately about the need to listen to people with learning disabilities about the care they want and need. Their talk was described by conference organisers as “a highlight of the conference for many”.
Huge congratulations to Irene and Amanda – a fantastic achievement.
Beyond Words appoints its first Chief Executive
We are very excited to announce the appointment of our first Chief Executive, Stephen Hall.
Stephen has over 20 years of senior leadership experience in the education and wider not-for-profit sectors. He joins us from a national dyslexia charity, where he was the Operations Director, before taking on an interim Chief Executive role.
Stephen says, "I am delighted to join such an innovative and inspiring team that is at the centre of the social and wellbeing agenda. I aim to continue the great work of expanding the scope and reach of this charitable company, enabling even more young people and adults with learning disabilities to access the life changing Books Beyond Words provision."
Stephen’s appointment also marks the departure of Danny Curtin, who has helped to lead Beyond Words for the last five years.
Beyond Words Founder Baroness Hollins says, “We would like to thank Danny for his leadership, drive and commitment to Beyond Words, and look forward to our continued connection with him through our shared interests. Beyond Words' work supports anyone who finds pictures easier to understand than words in all aspects of everyday life, including their physical and mental health and any contact they might have with the criminal justice system.”
Danny adds, “Whilst I move on to continue work with many other charities, I feel quietly proud to leave Beyond Words in such a strong position, undertaking life changing work for people with learning disabilities, their family, friends and supporters. I know it will continue to go from strength to strength – and I look forward to staying in touch, seeing many more new books, and hearing of the growing network of book clubs across the country.”