A local mother and son were invited to meet the Prime Minister to celebrate their volunteer work for the National Literacy Trust.

Jayden, aged 11, and his mother Caroline, were invited to be part of a reception at No 10 to champion partnerships that deliver change, on Monday 10 November.

Alongside Jonathon Douglas, Chief Executive of the National Literacy Trust, the mother and son represented the charity to demonstrated the impact that organisations can have when delivering work in partnership with government.

This celebration helped to build momentum and excitement for the National Year of Reading in 2026. 

Four years ago, Jayden himself was a reluctant reader who felt books were not for him. But when his mother Caroline started volunteering with the National Literacy Trust in Stoke-on-Trent, he took an interest in the charity's activities and began to read more.

Jayden has now become a Literacy Champion for the charity and helps to ensure that books are available, and free, for everyone in his community to access and enjoy. 

The 11-year-old, ran a mobile 'library' from his school playground, donated by Harper Collins, where every Friday afternoon he wheeled out a trolley of books stocked by the National Literacy Trust for friends and their families to enjoy.

He has also set up a community bookcase in his front garden and regularly gifts books to families at charity and school events.

At Monday's event, the Jayden and Caroline spoke about their volunteering and the impact this has had on their lives with Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, and Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson.

They were also joined by David Williams, MP for Stoke-on-Trent North, who represented his constituency and supported the volunteers from his area. 

Recent data from the National Literacy Trust revealed that in 2025, only 1 in 3 children and young people said that they enjoyed reading.

This was the lowest percentage in 20 years which is why the charity wants to make literacy more accessible and enjoyable. 

Jayden said: "I went to No 10 Downing Street to make reading better for everyone, so they have the opportunity to read and own their very own books.

"It was such a privilege to be invited to the reception and speak to the Prime Minister for everyone in Stoke-on-Trent.

"When I spoke to the Prime Minister, I told him about my book gifting, my little library on our drive, and that I'm planning on getting a new trolley at my secondary school to make another library there – I love it when people get excited when I give them a book, it's magic.

"The Prime Minister asked me why it's important that I give out books, and I told him that because people can't afford them, it helps my community, and I love to help people. I believe literacy is important because reading helps you get to places you want to in life." 

The National Year of Reading is a Department for Education initiative, in collaboration with the National Literacy Trust, aiming to tackle the steep decline in reading among children, young people and adults.

The National Year of Reading 2026 hopes to make a lasting change to the reading habits of the nation and reverse the decline in reading for pleasure.

Lois Bateman, Manager for the National Literacy Trust in Stoke-on-Trent, said: "Literacy Champions are vital activators of our message in the communities we want to reach.

"Whether they are sports coaches, religious leaders, or teaching assistants, or someone else entirely, they work hard to ensure literacy is a priority in their workplace or community.

"This deep partnership with local volunteers, organisations and groups enables us to give more children and families meaningful opportunities to discover what can be a transformative love of reading.

"Jayden and his mum Caroline embody this style of community activation and commitment to the city of Stoke-on-Trent, so it was a pleasure to see this recognised by the Prime Minister and many others." 

David Williams, MP for Stoke-on-Trent North, said: "Jayden is a true community champion and over recent years I've supported him and his family as they've shone a spotlight on reading – Jayden always encourages his school friends and families to pick up a book. 

"The Prime Minister, the Education Secretary and the Chancellor were keen to learn of the work that is taking place in our city including the free book giveaways and the annual Tales in the Park events which take place across Stoke-on-Trent.

"Their enthusiasm shone through and their work in the heart of communities is having a real impact. The National Year of Reading presents an amazing opportunity for Stoke-on-Trent to showcase how reading can transform lives."