Celebrating with our 2025 ‘Book Club of the Year’

Creative Spaces, part of the Aldingbourne Trust, was named 2025 Beyond Words Book Club of the Year. So we decided to pay them a visit!

Lucy, Gemma and Paula escaped the office to make the trip down to Bognor Regis.

Not only did we take part in a book reading, but we also celebrated with a fabulous cream tea.

Self advocates and facilitators celebrating their win.

The club decided to read The Drama Group, a book that was co-authored by the actor, Hugh Grant. It prompted lots of discussion while everyone looked forward to their scones.

At Creative Spaces, the Beyond Words Book Club has become the highlight of the calendar amongst the users. We certainly had an amazing time. Congratulations again to all the team on your award.

“Our Book Club is more than just books, it is about belonging, self-expression and the joy of shared experiences.”

“Give it a try. You've got nothing to lose and everything to gain.”

Jazz Behan, Creative Spaces

JAZZ’S TOP TIPS

On the day, we also spoke to Jazz Behan, the Book Club facilitator at Creative Spaces. Jazz shared her 10 top tips for running a really successful book club.

Jazz’s top ten tips on running a Beyond Words Book Club

Which of these tips works for YOUR book club?

1. Prepare a comfortable space

When choosing the location of your book club, ensure the space is quiet, relaxed, welcoming and accessible. Aim to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing thoughts, feelings or simply listening.

2. Choose the right book to start

Explore the Beyond Words books, pick a book that is relevant and engaging for your group, consider topics that the group can relate to.

3. Start each session with a warm welcome

A warm welcome can set the tone for the whole session. Begin with introductions, and a check-in to see how everybody is feeling. It’s helpful to use the Beyond Words charts to track how members are feeling before and after each session.

4. Engage, connect and explore together

Take the time to connect with each participant individually as they read.

Move around the table, get down their level – whether that means sitting beside them or crouching down, to offer encouragement and focused support.

Gently prompt further discussion: “What do you think is happening here?” or “How do you think this character might be feeling?”. This helps each member to feel truly seen and heard.

5. Celebrate every voice

The Beyond Words books are a great way to help people to find their voices and express themselves. Acknowledge each member’s input - participation and engagement looks different for everybody.

6. Ensure there is space for personal stories

Be open to discussion, and people linking the stories to their own personal experience. These moments are important within the group and can build trust, connection and a deeper understanding.

7. Support everyone’s communication style

Ensure you support different communication styles, work flexibly and adapt the sessions. Some people speak, use sign language, Makaton, gestures, body language and facial expressions. Encourage all forms of communication within the sessions.

8. Reflect on the story as a group

Set aside some time at the end of each session to go over what happened in the story. These group discussions are important, as members can share thoughts, ideas and their personal interpretations of the story. This can lead to further discussions and a deeper understanding of the topic.

9. End each session on a high note

Thank everyone for joining in, celebrate the group’s insights and discuss the plan for the next session. Always leave space for people to chat, reflect or just wind down.

10. Get any support you need from Beyond Words

Remember to ask for support if you need it! Beyond Words are always happy to help with any issues or questions you may have, and there are groups and sessions you can join as a facilitator.

If you’d like to find out more about starting a Beyond Words Book Club, we currently have FREE STARTER BOXES. You’ll get all the training you need to help transform lives and enable people with learning disabilities to engage, connect and have fun. Find out more here.

Finally, the lovely folk at Creative Spaces made this wonderful video to celebrate the day - we’ve popped it below. Thank you so much for hosting us!

Creative Spaces’ celebration of winning the Beyond Words Book Club of the Year 2025