Book donation campaign launched to get schoolchildren reading

The Oxford-based PR agency has partnered with Assisted Reading for Children (ARCh) and is appealing for people to donate good quality soft back books which are suitable for readers of all abilities aged three to 11 to its Cowley headquarters. 

Fortitude started the campaign after recent surveys revealed a shocking national decline in children reading books. 

A National Literacy Trust’s 2025 survey revealed just one in three of those aged between eight and 18 said they enjoyed reading in their free time – a 36 per cent decline over a 20-year period. 

While the early years charity Kindred Squared found 28 per cent of schoolchildren start primary school education unable to use a book correctly. It also revealed more than half of primary school staff attribute children’s use of electronic devices as the biggest factor impacting school readiness. Some parents said their children try to swipe or tap a book to try and turn a page. 

Passion for storytelling

Greig Box Turnbull, founder of Fortitude Communications, said: ​“Reading is a joy and inspires and broadens the mind. It is vital to the development and prospects of children and it’s a profound tragedy many schools now don’t think students can even read a full novel anymore. 

“It is an alarming trend, as a team at Fortitude we all share a passion for storytelling and a deep appreciation of reading and felt compelled to do something to celebrate books and encourage youngsters to read.

“ARCh was the perfect partner for us, its long championed encouraging children to read and proactively inspires hundreds to actively enjoy reading.

“National Storytelling Week is a great opportunity to encourage more young people – and parents – to pick up a book. Our team will be collecting all types of books in the coming weeks, and to anyone who can support our campaign we’d love to hear from you.” 

Inspiring a love of books

Based in Bicester ARCh works with volunteers to provide one-to-one reading support to primary school children who struggle with literacy and reading, helping them develop a love of reading, improve confidence and overall development. In 2025 the charity engaged 910 children in 111 Oxfordshire schools with support from 301 volunteers. 

Elaine Adams, joint founder and CEO of ARCh, added: ​“We are incredibly grateful to Fortitude for their continued commitment to supporting ARCh. 

“Building on their previous work with us, their plans to bring people together through a book donation collection and to create a new professional video showcasing our impact reflect a shared belief in the power of reading. 

“This support will help us reach more children and families and inspire a lasting love of books.”

Fortitude’s book collection also coincides with the National Year of Reading 2026, a campaign designed to help more people discover the joy of reading and make it part of their everyday lives. 

Fortitude has also committed to providing ARCh with a professional video to showcase the charity’s work and impact it has on local children and their families.

Get in touch

Founded in 2017 by former Oxford United managing director and Daily Mirror journalist Greig Box Turnbull, Fortitude specialises in PR, marketing and video production. 

Its clients operate across a range of sectors, including corporate, charity, sport, hospitality, healthcare and sustainability. The agency’s services extend to media relations, social media, copy writing, photography, drone and media training. 

To arrange a book drop-off at Fortitude’s office at ARC in Cowley, please contact us here. Books are accepted until Friday, March 13.