Businesses and organisations in Hartlepool are being urged to get involved in a major new drive to boost adult literacy in the town and unlock residents’ potential.
More than a third of Hartlepool adults have very low levels of literacy, drastically affecting their life chances and those of their families.
To tackle the issue, Hartlepool Borough Council plans to create a Hartlepool Literacy Task Force in partnership with local firms and organisations.
As a first step, it’s inviting Hartlepool organisations and companies of all sizes to take part in a Hartlepool Literacy Summit on Wednesday 26th February from 9.30am to 4pm in Hartlepool College of Further Education.
The guest speakers will be Professor Gill Rowlands of Newcastle University who is a national expert in health literacy – the ability to access, understand and use health information and services to make decisions – Jonathan Brash, Member of Parliament for Hartlepool, James Kingett, Programme Manager at the National Literacy Trust, and Dr Jessie Kelly-Baxter from the North East Chamber of Commerce.
Councillor Pamela Hargreaves, Chair of the Council’s Economic Growth and Regeneration Committee, said: “People with low levels of literacy can struggle to cope with a range of day-to-day tasks, including helping their children with homework, understanding official letters, reading labels on medication and filling out job applications.
“As a result, they often experience social isolation, stigma and exclusion, poor health, welfare dependency, a lack of social cohesion, a higher level of crime and a lack of self-worth. They can become trapped in a cycle of poverty with limited life opportunities.
“We all want more for Hartlepool residents and improving literacy and numeracy is the first step to supporting people to reach their full potential. Bringing about positive change is vital if Hartlepool and its residents are to thrive.
“Boosting literacy levels requires a long-term, partnership approach so I hope as many businesses and organisations as possible will take part in the summit.”
The Council will also be developing a literacy strategy setting out its ambition for every resident, regardless of their age, and a borough-wide literacy plan. It will also be appointing Literacy Champions in each Council department to tackle the barriers faced by residents with low literacy levels, including reading Council information aimed at the public.
To book a place at the Hartlepool Literacy Summit, go to tinyurl.com/HartlepoolLiteracySummit.
For more information email literacy.taskforce@hartlepool.gov.uk
Date: Wednesday 26th February 2025 9:30am-4pm
Location: Hartlepool College of Further Education
Cost: free
To find out more about the events taking place and to register click here.