Shannon Trust

We're back with another edition of our CEO blog, One Page. This month, Jane Rigbye reflects on the impact of our wonderful volunteers and the support, laughter, humility, and creativity they bring to the table each week while helping people learn 👏

Read more on our website: https://ow.ly/f94w50ZeeAh

“Having retired and with some free time, I felt I’d like to do some volunteering. The more I researched who ends up in prison, the more I realised just how lucky I’d been. I grew up with two parents, a comfortable home, encouragement to study and opportunities that some people never had.

When I read about the links between broken homes, the care system, low literacy, prison and reoffending, I saw that this was a cycle Shannon Trust could help break. Helping someone learn to read can change a life – whether that’s reading what they’re choosing to eat for the first time or opening the door to education, employment and a different future.

The training and support have been fantastic, and volunteering has proved to be great fun too. I only wish more people realised the difference it can make.” – Geoff, Shannon Trust volunteer

Recently, we had the privilege of hosting an inspiring event at HMP Ashfield. Organised by our Library Manager, Jenny, and our Prison Facilitator, John, we hosted a visit from Kenny Imafidon, author of That Peckham Boy, and Burphy Zumu, his colleague from Clearview Research.

Kenny and Burphy met with participants of a book club at HMP Ashfield who had previously discussed and podcasted about the book, before speaking to a wider audience of around 60 people. Their talk explored themes of hope, resilience, overcoming trauma, and finding a path forward after difficult life experiences.

The session prompted some real and honest conversations, with participants speaking about their anxiety about leaving prison and what the realities are for employment after prison. It was incredibly meaningful and moving and drew a lot of people in who don't usually use the library or take part in their services.

A huge thank you to everyone involved, it was a brilliant day and to top it off the event provided a wonderful opportunity to showcase our fantastic new library space.

The people behind the scenes! 🌟 We had a special day celebrating some of our wonderful volunteers last week for our annual Tom Shannon awards 💙

Today has been a special day! We celebrated our amazing volunteers at our Tom Shannon Awards in York 💙

These awards were created in memory of Tom Shannon, to recognise all volunteers who go above and beyond to make sure more people experience the positive impact of learning.

Volunteers make a real difference to our learners, mentors, staff and the organisation every day. Over the past 12 months, they’ve contributed over 5,400 hours to help in various ways, including training our mentors. We’ll be sharing updates on our winners in the next few days.

We asked our volunteers why they give their time to help Shannon Trust learners and mentors. One of our volunteers, Jacqui, wrote this lovely poem in response 💙

Moments celebrating our volunteers ⭐

Our team in the east region recently held a team day for volunteers focused on connection, reflection and the power of storytelling.

Inspired by National Share a Story Month, volunteers shared stories in ways that felt meaningful to them, highlighting how storytelling can spark imagination, strengthen connections, and bring communities together. One particularly moving story was about a volunteer’s mother falling in a busy London crowd before a “guardian angel”, a doctor who appeared from nowhere, stepped in to help before disappearing just as quickly. It was a powerful reminder of the impact we can all have on others, often without ever realising it.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended, contributed, and shared their stories. Your openness, insight, and commitment continue to strengthen our volunteer community and the impact we make together.

Celebrating our wonderful volunteers! This week is National Volunteer’s Week and we’re recognising our incredible cohort of volunteers who give their free time to help more people experience the positive impact of learning 👏

We’re incredibly lucky to currently have 118 volunteers working across England, Wales and Northern Ireland who all choose to give their time regularly to help our collective mission. Many of them have worked in education before and understand how vital learning is in life. Some have a personal experience of struggling to read or simply want to share in their joy of reading. Some are retired and others are working full time – but one thing they all have in common is their passion and dedication to making a difference.

Thank you to every one of our volunteers. Whether based in prison, helping with business support, in the community, or mentoring in prisons, we cannot thank you enough. Every day, you give your time, energy, compassion and dedication to support others and make a positive difference.

Behind every successful Shannon Trust programme in prison is a network of dedicated people making it happen, whether that be our prison facilitators, mentors or volunteers.

Recently Lauren, our Volunteer Network Lead, spent time shadowing Valentina, our Prison Facilitator at HMP Pentonville, to see first-hand the realities, challenges and rewards of supporting mentors and learners inside prison.

From building relationships across the prison to helping mentors deliver life-changing literacy and numeracy support, the role is about resilience, connection and creating opportunities for people to grow.

As one learner shared:
“You gave me new confidence… I learned a lot from reading with my mentor… this has helped me stay positive while in prison.”

Read the full story and learn more about the impact of our prison facilitators and volunteers on our website: https://ow.ly/Nacr50Z5bVQ 🔗

Photo by Andy Aitchison.

📚 More than 250 books donated and making a difference.

What started as a coffee and catch-up in the HMP Oakwood Visitors’ Centre led to a book drive, recently initiated by one of our Reading Strategy Coordinators, Emily.

Working alongside Restart Enterprise CIC who deliver through the gate support to men and their families leaving custody at HMP Oakwood, our team collected and donated more than 250 books. These will support families visiting and also contribute to ReStart Enterprise’s newest project at HMP Rye Hill, where they are working to make the Visitor Centre more family‑friendly.

ReStart Enterprise shared this heartfelt message after receiving the donations:

“These books will make such a difference to the children visiting their dads… We are so grateful to have supporters like you.”

Well done to the team and everyone involved for helping promote literacy, reading for pleasure, and positive opportunities for families across the prison community. 💙