We changes lives.
Read our testimonials.

Books

An illustrated image of a man in an armchair looking at photographs with another person. It is illustrated by Lisa Kopper and from the Beyond Words book Am I Going To Die.

Image from Am I Going to Die? illustrated by Lisa Kopper

“I am very happy, and I really liked being part of this book. I learnt more skills and I want to do more things like this. It was my first time being at the Parliament, so it was very exciting for me.”

— Diviyha Ramalingham, co-author and expert by experience

An illustrated image of a man choosing an activity from a series of photographs, he is supported by two others. It is illustrated by Beth Webb and from the Beyond Words book Feeling Cross and Sorting It Out.

Image from Feeling Cross and Sorting It Out
illustrated by Beth Webb

“It can make a difference to people, people that find it hard to read. People will be able to get hope that they can get a job. They can believe in themselves and get work. The story will show what people can do and that we all have more abilities than we realise and we just have to find out what they are.”

— Stephen Langley, co-author and expert by experience

“Although the story in Am I Going to Die? is fictional, it is based on the real life experiences of ten people with learning disabilities. The book draws on what was important for the participants when they were ill and dying and demonstrates best practice as identified by them.”

— Inside Palliative Care. Volume 8, June 2009


An illustrated image of a chef with a folder showing pictures of food, and a playworker showing pictures of children having fun. It is illustrated by Lucy Bergonzi and from the Beyond Words book Choosing My First Job.

Image from Choosing My First Job
illustrated by Lucy Bergonzi

“We need to create a bit of a revolution. I would like to see this book distributed widely.”

— Dr Dominic Slowie, National Clinical Director for Learning Disability, NHS England

An illustrated image of two uniformed women working in a clothes shop. It is illustrated by Mike Nicholson and from the Beyond Words book Glory Wants a Job.

Image from Glory Wants a Job illustrated by Mike Nicholson

Book Clubs

A photograph of four Book Club members with copies of Glory Wants a Job

Members of Deal Book Club with Glory Wants a Job

“It’s fun and we take turns to read and ask.”

“I liked reading the books.”

— Self-advocates attending Book Clubs

A photograph of two City Lit co-trainers with a copy of Ginger is a Hero and a knitted ginger cat

City Lit trainers enjoy Ginger is a Hero complete with knitted Ginger

“It has ignited love for drawing and explaining drawings. It has helped him to share his thoughts and feelings.”

“Book Club has motivated (person) to be drawing and share ideas and perspectives. It has helped him to share interest in reading and engaging in conversations with others and chat to others.”

— Carers for people attending our Book Clubs


A photograph showing hands and faces of a group reading a Beyond Words book.

A Book Club taking place at City Lit

“We had a person we thought would not be interested be very interested. It went very well for our first one and we have one member that has told everyone he sees all about it. My residents are looking forward to the next one and already discussing what book they would like to read.”

— A facilitator at a Book Club created by the Book Club in a Box project