Sara Pascoe has initiated a campaign encouraging families to use train journeys as reading time during summer. The comedian and host of the Weirdos Book Club podcast launched the campaign by organizing pop-up reading sessions on trains from London to York and Leeds for schoolchildren.
Partnering with four train companies—LNER, Northern, Southeastern, and TransPennine Express—this campaign aims to support The Reading Agency, a charity running the annual Summer Reading Challenge. Over the coming months, tens of thousands of free activity packs, containing Storytime Magazine and various resources for children aged 4-11, will be distributed onboard and at stations across the UK.
The initiative comes at a vital time, as research indicates that many parents are concerned about keeping their children engaged during the summer, with rising costs of activities adding pressure. Reading is highlighted as an affordable option that benefits children’s mental wellbeing; a significant number of parents believe it positively impacts confidence, reduces loneliness, and fosters connections with peers.
In a unique collaboration among the rail companies, the initiative presents not only an enriching way to spend time together but also enhances the travel experience by making reading a part of the adventure.
Karen Napier MBE, Chief Executive at The Reading Agency, expressed the importance of making reading enjoyable and accessible for families.
Sara Pascoe shared her love for reading while traveling, emphasizing its role in making journeys exciting.
Rail Minister Lord Hendy highlighted the initiative’s potential to instill a love for reading in young people during their summer vacations, reflecting a commitment to enhancing community engagement through the railway system.
