Sailors’ Children’s Society has launched two national BookTrust programmes, Story Explorers and Letterbox Club, to support younger children on its scheme, helping to build literacy, confidence, and emotional wellbeing.
The programmes will provide free monthly book parcels to families, bringing reading into the home in a fun, engaging, and accessible way. Before the programme was launched,
The launch forms part of the charity’s wider strategic commitment to support children in reaching their full potential, with a particular focus on early years development and literacy.
Research from BookTrust highlights the importance of early reading, particularly for children experiencing adversity. Reading in early childhood is linked to improved cognitive development, mental health, and long-term outcomes, while also acting as a protective factor for children facing challenging circumstances.
Each monthly parcel is carefully curated by BookTrust, combining age-appropriate books with interactive materials that encourage shared reading and independent learning. The programmes are built to be flexible and accessible, helping families integrate reading into everyday life in a way that feels achievable and enjoyable. By creating regular moments of engagement and ownership such as receiving a personalised parcel children are encouraged to build confidence, curiosity, and a positive relationship with reading from an early age.
Hannah Brooke, Head of Welfare and Empowering Families at Sailors’ Children’s Society, said: “We know how important early years development is, particularly for children who may have experienced trauma or disruption in their lives. These programmes give families the tools, confidence and encouragement to build simple, positive reading routines at home—creating moments of connection, calm and stability that can have a lasting impact.”
At a time when demand for support is rising, the introduction of these programmes provides a targeted and evidence-led response to the needs of families supported by the charity. Many of these families are navigating complex challenges, including bereavement, financial hardship, and trauma, which can impact children’s development and access to opportunities. Through the structured delivery of high-quality books, creative resources, and guided activities, both Story Explorers and Letterbox Club are designed to support early literacy and strengthen family routines and engagement.
Adele Grover from BookTrust added: “Our goal is to help children and families embed reading habits into their daily life, ensuring that children from low-income and vulnerable backgrounds experience the immediate and lifelong benefits of reading. Programmes like Story Explorers are designed to make reading accessible, enjoyable and part of everyday family life”
With research also showing that one in ten children in the UK does not own a book, initiatives like this aim to close the gap and ensure every child has access to the tools they need to thrive.
By introducing these programmes, Sailors’ Children’s Society continues to expand its holistic support for families, combining financial, emotional, and educational support to help children not only survive but thrive.
