Beyond Words Book Club Awards
This World Book Day marks a year since the launch of the Beyond Words Book Club in a Box project, which aims to create 300 new Book Clubs for people with learning disabilities by 2026. The Book Club in a Box is a free pack of 30 books and resources that will enable people, charities and organisations to kickstart a Book Club in their local area.
Beyond Words Book Clubs are a safe space for people with learning disabilities to make friends, have fun and talk about the issues that affect their lives. The Book Clubs use Books Beyond Words, a series of word-free picture stories that explore a huge range of topics, from relationships and building community to mental and physical health. By reading what they see in the pictures, members build a story prompted by the images and informed by their experiences and feelings.
All Beyond Words books are produced with people with learning disabilities, and often trialled by Book Clubs, to make sure that they are accessible for a wide range of individuals. The difference Book Clubs make to people with learning disabilities is life changing. Julie Anderson, a co-facilitator of two Book Clubs and who has a learning disability herself, said:
“It’s been really good for me. You meet new friends, but I met an old friend I hadn’t seen for 20 years through my Book Club, too. One of my Book Clubs is even international – we have one person from Finland and one from Scotland. They came to visit one day when it was on Zoom and then stayed. The people that come say the Book Clubs are friendly and they like doing them.”
Julie is also the co-author of The Book Club, a word-free picture book included for free with every Book Club in a Box.
Librarian Aisha Affejee has overseen the development of a huge network of Beyond Words Book Clubs across Kent Libraries over the last 13 years.
“I think they’re beautiful. They are so unique – and they work to welcome everyone. There is not one person that I know that’s gone to one and said I don’t want to do that. Everybody always enjoys them so much. Not only do the Book Clubs provide the space for people with learning disabilities to have fun and make friends, but they also bring them into contact with their communities, breaking down barriers and building real connections.”
Thanks to generous funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, the charity has been able to develop the free box of resources. It can easily be sent out to organisations and individuals who want to set up a Book Club in their local area. The boxes include 30 Beyond Words books, guidance on setting up their own club, promotional materials, member badges and lanyards and more, and is completely free of charge to anyone in England.
Organisations and individuals can request a kit through our website www.booksbeyondwords.co.uk/bciab or by contacting the charity via bookclubs@booksbeyondwords.co.uk.
To celebrate a year since the launch of the Book Club in a Box project we invited all our Book Club facilitators to take part in our Awards. Here are our proud 2025 winners:
Book Club of the Year: Creative Spaces Book Club at Aldingbourne (The Aldingbourne Trust)
The Creative Spaces Book Club is a vibrant and inclusive group that meets to explore Beyond Words stories, with every session tailored to the needs of their members. The Book Club has become a vital part of the service offered at Aldingbourne, providing a safe and welcoming environment for the people they support. The Book Club empowers adults with learning disabilities and autism to explore the stories, and sometimes difficult topics, in a way that is accessible and engaging for all group members. The Book Club members can immerse themselves in the visual storytelling of Beyond Words.
Creative Spaces Aldingbourne
Creative Spaces prioritise providing feedback to Beyond Words after every session as it helps with reflection on what worked well, what resonated with members and how facilitation can be further improved. Promoting the Book Club has also been an important part of the Creative Spaces mission, and they actively share their Book Club activities and success through social media and local networks. The Book Club has been instrumental in encouraging members to explore books and stories and members frequently express how much they value it as a space to share their thoughts and bond with others over shared stories and experiences.
Exploring the books also highlighted topics that members would like to have the opportunity to further explore. After reading ‘Ginger is a hero’, it became clear that many members where not confident in knowing what they should do in case of emergency and if they need to phone the police. This led to a very interesting discussion, and Creative Spaces are now in the process of arranging for local PCSOs and the fire service to come in to deliver workshops. Winning this award celebrated the dedication of the Creative Spaces Book Club members, facilitators, the enthusiasm of the group, and the transformative power of the Beyond Words books.
Jazz Behan from Creative Spaces at Aldingbourne, who set up the Book Club and put forward the nomination said,
“Beyond Words books have been a bridge to connection and discovery. Our Book Club has provided the people we support the chance to rediscover their voices, engage with others, and experience the power of books in a way that truly enriches their lives, regardless of ability. Facilitating the Book Club has been a privilege and an incredible journey. Seeing first-hand 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.”
Most Inspiring Outcome: The Good Chat Group at Hounslow Adult Learning Disability Health Team, West London NHS Trust
The Good Chat Group Book Club has had a profoundly positive impact on its members resulting in a growth in confidence and independence among service users. Even more heartwarming is the way the Book Club has fostered social connections and friendships. Some members who were once shy or unsure of themselves in group settings have become more engaged in conversations, sharing their thoughts on the books as well as their own personal stories. Many have formed meaningful friendships, and the group has also provided a valuable opportunity for parents and carers to connect and support one another. Seeing these relationships flourish has been truly special, highlighting the power of a supportive and inclusive community.
“We really enjoy our Book Club, making new friends, reading about new things and talking about our own experiences. We are super excited to win this award!”
Highly Commended Book Club: Deaf Friends Book Club from Deaf Friends Supporters in East Kent
This Book Club engages with deaf adults who have learning disabilities and other additional needs. Communication is through British Sign Language (BSL). A BSL interpreter and communication support worker attend each Book Club session. The books are used to support discussion around different topics, depending on what's going on in the group and what else is being organised. The Book Club first evolved during the 2020 lockdowns, to keep in contact when people weren't allowed to meet face to face. The aim has always been to develop a sense of community and mutual support amongst a group who are otherwise socially isolated in multiple ways.
Liz Mincer from Deaf Friends who nominated the Book Club said,
“Deaf Friends are so happy to win this trophy. We are thinking about sharing it around the group, so everyone has a turn to show it to their friends and family wherever they live.”
Highly Commended Book Club: Rugby Library Beyond Words Book Club
This Book Club is made up of service users from a local day care facility for adults with learning difficulties. Over the years each member has grown in confidence and now the group can be a raucous affair! Favourite books are Ginger is a Hero and The Drama Group. The Book Club also enjoys the conversations that are generated by some of the more challenging books. Over the years the books have really helped to discuss impending medical appointments, making healthy choices and dealing with tricky emotions.
Cheryl Brealey from Rugby Library and Information Service who nominated the Group said,
“I absolutely adore our Books Beyond Words group. It is without a doubt the highlight of my working week. The books give us a starting point to discuss any relevant issues that our members are experiencing and to give some way of naming big emotions. We are thrilled to have received Highly Commended Book Blub 2025.”
Rugby Library Book Club
Highly Commended Book Club: Derby Libraries Beyond Words Book Club
Derby Libraries work in partnership with Transition 2, a college committed to supporting young adults18-25 with learning disabilities to maximise their independence and move on to meaningful opportunities in adulthood. All the Book Club attendees have grown in confidence. As Katie one of the support workers said,
“I think the sessions are a lovely opportunity for the learners to be involved in a community-based session, using local services and having opportunities to use their speaking and listening skills. It is also a great opportunity for members to work with different adults and develop their confidence in different settings with a range of people.”
Derby Library Book Club
Highly Commended Book Club: Mansfield Book Club, Choice Support Nottinghamshire
This Book Club has been a great tool for people with autism and learning disabilities. The turn out for their Book Clubs is always brilliant as people really enjoy and appreciate going on a regular basis.
Mansfield Book Club
Book Club Stars:
Kelly Preston, Bournemouth Gateway, Bournemouth Gateway Club
Kelly is a loyal Book Club participant and very capable but at the same time sensitive to other members' needs. Kelly always encourages others, helps them to build their confidence and celebrates achievements spontaneously and genuinely. A real asset to the group!
John Bettles, Folkestone Book Club, The Life Skills Centre
John is positive and motivated during all the Book Club sessions. He keeps the fun going and has been vital in ensuring that everyone is just as enthusiastic. John’s loyalty has been key to ensuring that that the Book Club sessions continue at The Life Skills Centre.
Emma Logan, Respect Health Group Book Club, Bexley Mencap
Emma helps to lead the Book Club sessions at Bexley Mencap. Emma is passionate about making sure that everyone gets a chance to take part and has their lanyard if they want to wear it. She will take the book round to each person so that they have a chance to read the page. This is important as not every member is able to pass the book to each other. Emma will ensure that enough time is given to people who need it, and will she ask questions to help people if they are struggling. Emma is going to join the next Book Club in a Box network meeting with support and is part of a regular committee meeting at Bexley Mencap to plan the health group sessions. Emma always reminds us to make time for a book club.
Jane Menzies from Bexley Mencap who nominated Emma said,
“Book Club for our self-advocacy groups has been a game changer for our members, as everyone is able to read a book together by telling the story, this isn’t something members have been able to do before and so enables everyone to be more confident and develop their skills. It has been such a positive experience for Emma to lead and organise our book club sessions with support. Everyone loves our book club sessions.”
Patrick Clarke, Marketfield College Book Club, Marketfield College
The College runs the Book Club with a small group. Patrick has been taking part in the Book Club since it began at the College and has shown a real aptitude for working with and directing others. Patrick now helps to facilitate the Book Clubs which has developed his confidence further still. Patrick fills out the paperwork, keeps notes, directs students on whose turn it is and asks the relevant questions. Marketfield College are very proud of him and all that he has achieved. The next step for Patrick is for him to assist in training someone else up to facilitate a Book Club.
Danni Harris, Books Beyond Words Club, Elysium Book Club, Elysium Healthcare – Thornford Park Hospital
Danni started using the books produced by Books Beyond Words in 2022 and has used them in training. Danni was so passionate about how useful the books are that she set up her own Book Club at Elysium.
“The Books Beyond Words Club is brilliant and I really enjoy it. The thing I most enjoy about Books Beyond Words is teaching the staff and other patients how to use the books.”
