Shannon Trust

25/08/2026

Feeling confident with numbers doesn't come naturally to everyone. But that doesn't mean you can't learn. So many people who use our Count Me In programme tell us it has helped them so much with building everyday life skills.

With the right support, anyone can learn 🔢

21/08/2026

Fun fact for Friday 📚

Our peer mentors aren’t professional teachers.

They’re people who are also in prison and choose to support someone else to learn. Peer mentors act as a trusted and relatable person, and help provide a safe and no pressure space to learn. It's a simple concept, and it really does work.

Photo by Andy Aitchison Photographer

20/08/2026

"My school experience was shocking. I was classed as ‘thick’ by teachers."

We know a lot of people have had bad learning experiences in the past. Many of our learners tell us about their journey. This is Bill's* story.

"Coming to prison, my whole attitude changed. I was finally ready. I had tactics to avoid the shame of people realising I couldn’t read on the outside, but inside people weren’t judgemental like they were on the out."

Read Bill's full story on our website: https://ow.ly/IVTZ50ZBWfP
*name has been changed

Photo by Andy Aitchison Photographer

19/08/2026

Today is World Photography Day 📸

A chance to celebrate the power of photos and their ability to tell a story and bring moments to life. Here's a selection of some of our favourite images from recent years, showcasing the people at the heart of what we do: our learners and mentors 💙

Shout out to the brilliant Andy Aitchison Photographer for capturing so many of these!

14/08/2026

It's not always obvious when someone can't read. Some of our learners tell us that they've managed to find ways to hide it because they feel shame.

That’s why a little understanding and a supportive, judgement-free approach can make such a difference. At Shannon Trust, our peer mentors help people build their reading skills at their own pace, in an environment where they can feel comfortable and supported 👏

12/08/2026

Turning Pages has gone international! 📚

We were delighted to see Shannon Trust’s Turning Pages programme featured by ABC News in Australia this week, highlighting the impact of peer-led reading support at Loddon Prison in Victoria.

Loddon is believed to be the first prison in Australia to introduce Turning Pages, with people in prison supporting their peers to improve their reading through the same one-to-one, phonics-based approach used across prisons in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The article shares some brilliant examples of the difference this is already making - from giving learners the confidence to write their own letters and cards, to helping them progress into vocational training and think differently about their futures.

It’s amazing to see Turning Pages benefitting people on the other side of the world - and demonstrating the power of people supporting each other to learn.

Read the full story from ABC News 👇

Prisoners in central Victoria are teaching each other to read as part of a phonics-based program adopted from the United Kingdom.

11/08/2026

Learning to read or improve numeracy skills isn't just about academics. It's about building confidence and independence. By helping people develop vital life skills, they feel more hopeful about their future, as a learner at HMP Wi******er tells us 👏

07/08/2026

Feel Good Friday! 🫶

Did you know that Shannon Trust's programmes are delivered through peer mentoring? This is where people who can read or understand numeracy teach those who can't, and they do this in a supportive and calm environment.

Sometimes, the best teacher is someone who understands the journey.

06/08/2026

Planning and reflections with some of our volunteers 🌟

Our volunteers from the South East region recently came together to celebrate the incredible work taking place across the region, share updates, and learn from one another.

The day featured updates from individual prisons, with teams reflecting on both the challenges they have faced and the successes they have achieved over recent months. These conversations highlighted the dedication of staff and volunteers, while creating valuable opportunities to share ideas and good practice across the region.

A successful day full of enthusiasm and creativity - we're so lucky to have such an incredible cohort of volunteers 💜

05/08/2026

Sometimes, all it takes is a simple change to make all the difference 👓

Our prison facilitator, Becki, at HMP Exeter, recently noticed many people who were struggling to read because they didn't have any reading glasses.

With the Governor's support, we bought 250 pairs ready for those who need them. There's already been a great response, with many people saying they can now go and get books out the library and use the kiosk themselves as they can see it! A simple act of support that goes a long way in helping people learn and enjoy reading.