A BOOK club for people with learning disabilities will be launched at the Stratford Literary Festival – and it is all thanks to local fundraisers.
Heart of England Mencap launched an appeal in December asking people to donate funds to buy ‘Books Beyond Words’ which are a series of picture books specially designed for people with learning disabilities.
The appeal was given a major boost by the Friends of Heart of England Mencap who donated £1,300 raised at its charity firewalk in October.
And hundreds of pounds in individual donations have also been received, with shoppers at Waitrose in Alcester helping the appeal by dropping their green tokens into the Heart of England Mencap pot, securing £371.
Mencap has now been able to buy the first two bumper sets of the books plus the accompanying iPad apps and will be launching an Accessible Book Club at this year’s Stratford Literary Festival.
Fundraising manager for Heart of England Mencap, Cath Errington said: “The books are picture stories, perfect for adults with a learning disability who prefer to read using pictures rather than words.
“Some are fictional books while others illustrate scenarios and issues our customers may face, like a trip to the hospital – opening up the communication channels and building understanding.
“Of course none of this would be happening without the Friends of Heart of England Mencap and all those who fundraised for them, or donated to the appeal, and we can’t thank them enough.”
People can enjoy the books for free during the Stratford Literary Festival at Stratford ArtsHouse on Friday April 28, from 1pm to 3pm
Call the festival box office on 01789 207100 for tickets to the Accessible Book Club launch.
