An adult literacy group was treated to a celebratory tea after winning a reading challenge.

The group from Westgate-on-Sea mental health social enterprise Changing Minds was treated to cakes and sandwiches after being named Bookbinders Reading Group of the Month.

Run by the KM Charity Team, Bookbinders is a network of reading groups across east Kent that help adolescents and adults socialise while reconnecting with reading.

Changing Minds’ Bookbinders group has been meeting regularly since the beginning of the year, and timed the tea to publicise Mental Health Awareness Week.

Sue Mason of Changing Minds said: “The reading group is a fantastic idea and is supportive of all – especially our less able members.

“They all have the opportunity of listening in and participating in the conversation of the book being read.”

Bookbinders coordinator Michael James delivered the tea, and said: “The members of this group have shown great dedication in turning up to every session, coming out when it was cold and wet outside.

“Their enthusiasm has rubbed off on everybody here at Changing Minds, and the group is starting to flourish and grow.”

Bookbinders supports adults and teenagers who have poor literacy skills and are outside of mainstream education. The reading groups take an informal approach to promoting literacy, enabling members to participate without feeling they are being judged.

The KM Charity Team offers initial support to reading groups, and has a library of specially commissioned books to lend or donate to them. Once established, groups meet for reading and discussion sessions on a weekly or fortnightly basis.

The best-performing groups benefit from monthly prizes, such as cream teas or group pizzas.

The scheme is supported by the Salway Grassroots Fund.

Find out more about Bookbinders at bookbinders.org.uk or by contacting Michael James on 0844 264 0291 or at Mjames@thekmgroup.co.uk.

To attend or find out more about Changing Minds’ Bookbinders group, contact Sue Mason at sue.mason@changingmindskent.co.uk.