Patrons of Refuge In Literacy UK

Freya North

Patron — Author and Novelist

Freya North is a bestselling author known for her vivid sense of place and her thoughtful portrayal of everyday family life. Her novels include Pillow Talk (RNA Novel of the Year 2008), Little Wing (a Richard & Judy Book Club pick), and The Unfinished Business of Eadie Browne (2024). She has recently completed her seventeenth novel, Still Time.

Freya supports a wide range of literary and creative communities and is a long-standing advocate for meaningful access to books. Her involvement in educational programmes, competitions, and cultural initiatives reflects her belief in the power of stories to connect, reassure, and gently uplift.

Freya continues to explore new creative directions, including a forthcoming series of novellas set in the Outer Hebrides. She lives on a small farm in Hertfordshire, surrounded by the landscapes that have shaped and inspired much of her writing.

Stephen Holland

Patron — Comics Laureate 2021–2023

Stephen Holland is a leading voice in comics literacy and the co-creator of Page 45, an independent comic shop established in 1994 to champion quality, diversity, and the full breadth of graphic storytelling. His commitment to helping people discover the joy of reading through comics has shaped three decades of guidance, teaching, and advocacy.

Stephen has long encouraged young readers to explore stories that feel accessible, imaginative, and engaging. His belief in the importance of reading for pleasure has supported schools, libraries, festivals, and national literacy programmes across the UK.

Over the years, Stephen has written widely about comics and graphic novels, helping countless readers discover books that invite curiosity, understanding, and possibility. His approach brings calm, confidence, and connection — particularly for children and young people who benefit from gentle, visual storytelling.

Stephen's support for Refuge In Literacy UK reflects a shared belief in the grounding power of stories. His insight continues to guide our commitment to offering inclusive, thoughtful, and engaging reading materials for families in domestic violence refuges.