SPCK Publishing

The SPCK Diffusion programme provides free adult literacy books to staff and volunteers who can run reading groups in prisons and with ex-offenders. Diffusion works to transform the lives of those in the criminal justice system by providing free, easy-to-read books that improve reading confidence, inspire self-reflection, emphasise the importance of making good choices and encourage empathy and positive relationships. Improving readers' literacy skills increases their chances of finding employment on release and plays a part in reducing reoffending. The programme is funded by donations from charitable trusts/individual supporters. The books are usually used in education classes or reading groups but also in libraries and for 1-1 reading. During COVID-19 we were delighted to meet a six fold increase in requests, rapidly providing over 10,000 books as prison staff sought positive activities for those in their care during lockdown.