Alesha Dixon supports reading scheme as ‘one in six disadvantaged kids don’t own a book’

Alesha Dixon is supporting a new initiative

The singer and television presenter has thrown her support behind the launch of 'The Library of No Returns' - a project where children can take books home to keep.

The initiative, led by global data and technology company Experian in partnership with the National Literacy Trust, will see thousands of free books donated to communities with the lowest literacy levels.

The fairytale-inspired pop-up comes as National Literacy Trust data reveals that one in 10 children aged five to 18 do not have a book of their own at home, rising to one in six in the most disadvantaged communities.

And just 33% of children aged eight to 18 say they enjoy reading in their free time - the lowest level since 2005.

New analysis by Experian also suggests that financial capability is closely linked to reading and comprehension skills.

In constituencies with the highest vulnerability to low literacy, average credit scores are between 6% and 12% below the national average of 850.

Conversely, children in the bottom quartile of reading ability are more than six times more likely to fall into the bottom quartile of financial capability.

The findings are supported by National Literacy Trust research, showing that children with strong reading skills are four times more likely to have good financial skills than children with poor literacy (35.6% vs 8.8%).

The Library of No Returns pop-up will be based in Walsall, an area identified as having lower literacy rates, with Alesha Dixon set to host storytelling sessions for children on the day, alongside authors Steve Antony and Monika Singh Gangotra.

Alesha Dixon, campaign ambassador, said: "Reading and writing opened doors for me long before I understood money or credit scores.

"I had to teach myself those skills later in life.

"If we can help children fall in love with books now, we are not just inspiring imagination - we're helping build the confidence and skills that shape their financial futures.

"That is why I'm proud to support The Library of No Returns with Experian and the National Literacy Trust."

John Webb, Head of Consumer Affairs at Experian UK&I, believes improving access to books will help build financial confidence later in life.

John said: "People often think of literacy and financial wellbeing as separate issues, but they are closely connected.

"If children are supported to build strong reading skills early on, they are better placed to understand the world around them, make informed decisions and feel confident managing money later in life.

"At Experian, we are committed to helping people build their financial confidence so that they are better equipped to make smart money moves.

"That starts with understanding what shapes financial confidence in the first place.

"Through our partnership with the National Literacy Trust, we want to help more children access books, enjoy reading and build foundations that can open up better opportunities in the future."

Jason Vit, from the National Literacy Trust, supports this, adding that reading for pleasure aids a child's literacy skills and can benefit financial understanding later in life.

Jason added: "Experian's literacy vulnerability score has been pivotal in helping the National Literacy Trust target the areas in which we focus our place-based approach, supporting children and families who are facing the biggest literacy challenges.

"Together, we've been able to empower millions of children with the literacy skills they need to thrive, including getting books to children and young people who may not have any at home.

"Today's activity in Walsall is a fantastic example of how we work with the local community to engage families with reading for pleasure, which supports a child's literacy skills and can benefit their confidence, wellbeing, academic attainment, and even their financial literacy later in life."

Library of No Returns forms part of a wider campaign that will see more than 5,000 books distributed to communities with lower literacy levels, with further book drops planned in Stoke, Merthyr Tydfil and Nottingham following the Walsall launch.

A supporting donation drive will also run through The Big Give, with Experian matching donations to raise further funds for the National Literacy Trust's work in communities that need it most.

The Library of No Returns pop-up will be held at the Pelsall Community Centre in Walsall between 9am and 4pm today.

Throughout the day, Experian experts will also be on hand to offer parents and carers informal guidance to help build financial confidence.