About Refuge In Literacy UK
How Refuge In Literacy UK Began
Refuge In Literacy UK began when children’s author Anne Stairmand donated signed copies of her books to a local domestic violence refuge at Christmas 2020. The response from families was immediate and heartfelt. Many shared how much it meant to receive something personal and thoughtful during a time of intense uncertainty.
Anne wondered whether families in refuges across the United Kingdom might feel the same. Over the following January and February, she contacted more than 300 domestic violence refuges to ask if signed books from local authors would make a meaningful difference. Their responses confirmed the need for gentle, consistent literacy support — and from this, our non-profit organisation was formed.
Why Signed Books Make a Difference
Signed books offer more than a story — they create a moment of connection. Families describe the warmth of receiving something personal, the comfort of shared reading, and the encouragement that stories can bring. Books open pathways to confidence, imagination, and possibility, supporting children and young people during periods of change.
Children will have a sense of value, worth, self-esteem … They will harness a willingness to read, to learn, to savour the process of reading, escapism and transformative powers of a book.— Thurrock Changing Pathways, Essex (2021)
Developing Literacy Support With Refuges
Alongside signed books, we offer literacy reading prompts and strategy guidance that link directly with the National Curriculum. These resources help children and young people build confidence with reading, writing, and comprehension while they are living in a refuge.
Our nine pilot refuges across the UK are currently trialling these approaches. The feedback we gather helps us refine and develop our resources with sensitivity, ensuring they meet the needs of families and staff.
The wider benefits of a signed personal copy of a book cannot be underestimated, encouraging children and parents to become literacy confident in reading, writing and comprehension.— Glasgow Women’s Aid (2021)
Guidance From Our Board and Advisors
Refuge In Literacy UK is guided by a board of six directors and seven advisors who bring extensive experience from education, publishing, community work, and safeguarding. Their insight helps us grow carefully and responsibly, ensuring that every decision is made with families’ needs at the centre.
The personal benefits of having a newly, personally signed book create a sense of empowerment. However, the benefits transcend far beyond the token of a personal gift.— Liverpool Women’s Refuge (2021)
Our Commitment to Literacy Confidence in Refuges
As a non-profit organisation, we are committed to supporting families in domestic violence refuges to build literacy confidence — in schoolwork, in day-to-day life, and in the choices that shape their futures. Our work is steady, personal, and grounded in respect for every family we meet.