WHSMITH donated 650 stationery packs to Swindon Stories to support children going back to school.

The free bundles of pencil cases, pens and notebooks sent from the Swindon-based retailer to the literacy campaign held in partnership between the National Literacy Trust and Swindon Borough Council will help their commitment to boosting literacy rates in the borough.

Along with Harry Potter books and themed literacy activities, the packs were distributed to four primary schools in Swindon to share with their pupils.

The donation will allow pupils at Goddard Park Primary, Oaktree School, St Joseph’s Catholic College and Dorcan Academy to put pen to paper and enjoy the mood-boosting effects of writing for fun.

In Swindon, the stationery packs can be used for activities available on the Swindon Stories website, including arts and crafts based on debut novel The Wild Way Home by local author Sophie Kirtley for children aged 7-11, which explores themes of nature and the Stone Age.

Research from National Literacy Trust shows that more children and young people are expressing themselves through creative writing in print during lockdown. One in four have written more in a diary or journal, around a fifth have written more letters and short stories, and one in eight have penned more song lyrics.

The increase has had a positive effect on wellbeing, as two in five children said writing during lockdown made them feel better.

Over the summer, WHSmith donated a total of 10,000 stationery packs to children and young people in 14 UK communities, including Swindon, where the National Literacy Trust currently delivers place-based campaigns, activities and events to improve the literacy levels and future prospects of local children and families.

Swindon is home to WHSmith’s head office.

Retail director Heidi Reynolds said: “We’re delighted to provide 10,000 children across the UK with stationery packs for the summer holidays and back to school period. This initiative continues our long-standing support of the National Literacy Trust, who we have worked with for more than 15 years to help build the literacy skills of children and young people who need it most.

“It’s been a pleasure to hear about the positive response from children and teachers in the Swindon community and we’re glad we’ve been able to support the community around our head office!”

Swindon Stories manager Anish Harrison said: "It’s been wonderful seeing children’s reactions to the hundreds of stationery packs we’ve been able to gift so far in Swindon, thanks to the generous support of WHSmith.

"We’re excited to see how children put their new writing sets to use on their return to school, and we’ve got lots of amazing ideas, activities and resources on our Facebook page to get children started.

“The National Literacy Trust’s recent research highlighted the transformative power of putting pen to paper for children and young people. Now, more than ever, we need to provide the next generation with the tools they need to express themselves.”

Visit swindonstories.org.uk and the campaign’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Swindon-Stories