Who are Beyond Words?
We empower people with learning disabilities through picture stories.
Our word-free books and stories transform lives, giving people with additional communications needs the tools to share and understand their feelings and the world around them, as well as participate in decisions about their lives.
We work with people with lived experience to co-create word-free picture stories that help people understand and communicate their feelings, learn about new experiences and tell their own stories. We set up Book Clubs that give people with learning disabilities a space to have fun, make friends and socialise. Our books help children and young people to develop their emotional intelligence, vocabulary and talk about their feelings in schools through our Open Book Project.
Our work is used in a range of different settings including health and social care, education and the community. Read below to find out more about each of these settings.
Stories for everyone
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Improving health care for patients with learning disabilities and/or autism
Good communication is at the heart of safe, effective and compassionate health care.
People want their doctors or social workers to be good at listening to them. Our stories are told in pictures, which will help both professionals and clients to understand what is going on, and how much is understood.
By using our picture stories, people with learning disabilities or communications difficulties will be able to ask questions and be reassured that the professional understands their wishes and concerns.
Taking time to read our books together encourages a two-way conversation, and helps to avoid problems with diagnostic overshadowing.
Using Books Beyond Words in clinical interactions:
builds understanding and trust between patient and practitioner;
reduces anxiety;
empowers people to be more involved in decision-making and to manage their own health;
improves health care outcomes and reduces health inequalities.
are just as important whether you are physically ill or have mental health issues.
Empowering people to shape the support you give.
Learn more about using our stories in health and social care.
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Introducing word-free stories into the classroom can support pupils across various areas of the curriculum in both mainstream and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) settings.
Books Beyond Words are simple, accessible and flexible teaching resources, proven to engage children and support attainment whilst also developing their emotional wellbeing and resilience.
"This is my go to resource. There just isn't another resource available on the market that is age appropriate and covers the sensitive issues and social issues that you need that extra prompt for. This opens discussions immediately." - Leigh Blakeman; Tutor
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We know that sharing stories brings us together.
That’s why we’ve set up Book Clubs in libraries, cafés and other community spaces around the UK. We are currently creating 300 new Book Clubs for free through our Book Club in a Box Project.
Beyond Words Book Clubs are somewhere to socialise with friends whilst exploring, through stories, subjects and ideas that affect our lives. They build members’ confidence, provide a way to connect with others in the local community and have fun.
Learn more about Book Clubs and using our stories in communities.
