Two Beyond Words Book Club members enjoying a story together
A Beyond Words Book Club member reading a story with a key worker
A Beyond Words Book Club member telling a story to key workers

There are now over 300 Beyond Words Book Clubs in England

We are so grateful to the National Lottery for helping us establish 300 free Book Clubs across England.

Now that this chapter of funding has closed, we’re turning the torch over to you. We’ve seen the incredible impact these clubs have, and we want to help you start one too! This page has all the resources you need to get started and add your club to our map.

  • What is a Book Club in a Box?

    Beyond Words Book Clubs use word-free stories to enable people with learning disabilities to connect, grow and thrive.

    Whether you’re a carer, educator, health professional or someone with learning disabilities, you can get involved.

    Now, with our Book Club in a Box, you can start your own club.

  • Why Are Book Clubs Needed?

    For those who struggle with words, pictures offer a voice. Our word-free books remove the barrier of text, enabling participants to express themselves, build confidence, and discuss real-life topics like health and relationships. Thousands of people with learning disabilities are already finding their voice and transforming their lives through Beyond Words Book Clubs.

  • How do Book Clubs Work?

    • Meet anywhere: libraries, day centres, cafes or online

    • Run 45 - 60 minute sessions - weekly, fortnightly or monthly

    • Use one Books Beyond Words title per session - explore the story together

    • Talk, share, listen and laugh - everyone’s input is valued

  • Who Can Set Up a Beyond Words Book Club?

    Anyone can set up a Beyond Words Book Club, but they are ideal for:

    • People with learning disabilities

    • Parents and carers

    • Day service providers

    • Library staff

    • Schools, Colleges and SEN units

    • Advocacy and support organisations

    • Community and faith groups

Build your Book Club in a Box

Get your books…

Big Book Club Starter Set Big Book Club Starter Set
Big Book Club Starter Set
£192.00

A collection of 2 copies of 10 of our most popular Book Club books, to help you start your own Book Club.

20 Books

Book Club Starter Kit Book Club Starter Kit
Book Club Starter Kit
£40.00

The Starter Kit - for new Book Clubs - includes our Book Club ‘how to’ guide, feelings charts, posters, and 10 member badges and lanyards. You can buy this as an add on to any of the other Book Club offers.

Foundation elearning module Foundation elearning module
Foundation elearning module
£15.00

This elearning module gives an introduction to using our books and other resources, including how to start a Book Club.

See more details below. Note: price includes 20% VAT.

… Learn How to Run a Session!

… Add your Book Club Bits…

Looking for a Health Book Club? A School Club? Or just a fun, relaxed group?

Pair any Book Club Set with our Starter Kit to support inclusive conversations that matches your group’s needs!

See our book sets

  • It’s been an amazing experience for me - it’s such a rewarding thing to do. I look forward to it every two weeks. It’s a lovely way to spend an afternoon - and to see the impact it has.

    Jazz Behan, Book Club Facilitator

    Aldingbourne Trust

  • Visual literacy has improved with all the students - they are now reading people's body language, through looking at the characters and asking open questions, 'I wonder how they are feeling', 'I wonder how they are doing'.

    Leigh Blakeman, Tutor
    Chadsgrove Education Trust Specialist College

  • During book club meetings, we've talked about difficult emotions, emotional regulation, and healthy relationships… to support the development of communication skills and the expression of empathy and self-reflection.

    Kelly O’Brien, Health Improvement Practitioner Specialist (SEND)
    Manchester Healthy Schools Programme

  • I think Book Clubs are brilliant. The books are good, the people are good and you make new friends as well!

    Julie Anderson, Self Advocate and Book Club Co-Facilitator

  • By facilitating a Beyond Words Book Club, you will provide a platform for voices that might otherwise go unheard

    Sheila Baroness Hollins

    Founder Chair Books Beyond Words CIO

  • We have seen service users grow in confidence... sharing your own stories gives a sense of identity, self-worth and increases self-esteem

    Yasmin Bandali, Highly Specialist Speech and Language Therapist

    Hounslow Adult Learning Disability Health Team

  • It was great to hear everyone having a voice which meant that everyone was learning from each other. This gave the Book Club members the opportunity for their experiences, knowledge and interpretations to be heard and valued

    Stephen Kill, National Eye Care Services Development Manager

    SeeAbility

  • Hosting Beyond Words Book Clubs for the past 14 years has been one of the greatest joys of my life. These clubs don’t just bring people together - they create deep connections through the sharing of stories

    Sue Carmichael, Book Club Champion

    Kent Libraries and Books Beyond Words

What Makes Beyond Words Book Clubs so Transformative?

Amanda talks about what her Book Club means to her.

Beyond Words Book Clubs aren’t just about books - they’re about belonging, understanding and self-expression.

Ready to Help Someone Find Their Voice?

Together we can build communities where everyone can be heard.

Book a meeting to start your Book Club!

BOOK A MEETING