Founded by Lucy Swanston, managing director of Nutshell Creative and chair of the Strategic Mailing Partnership, the charity is aiming to provide its book creation and printing service to schools across the country, completely free of charge.

“As a mum of three boys, it was a struggle to keep them engaged with reading and writing. I knew I had to find a creative way to inspire them,” explained Swanston.

“I realised that I wasn’t alone in this struggle, many parents face the same challenge. That’s why we created Topic Heroes; to make reading and writing fun and accessible for all children, helping them to discover the joy of books and the power of their own creativity.”

A million children in the UK aged 5-18 do not own a single book, according to the National Literacy Trust; in 2023-24, 187,000 children across the UK failed to meet expected literacy standards.

“Literacy is such a vital part of our lives,” Swanston told Printweek.

“It’s not just about being able to read and write: being able to communicate well allows you to make sense of the world, and it’s hugely important for mental and physical health – imagine not being able to read a medicine label, or properly express how you feel.

“[Topic Heroes] is about helping give children that excitement and first interaction. They’ll get to create their own professionally printed book, and that reward and recognition of their effort in writing it ignites their imagination.

“More and more children are growing up in this digital world without having a physical book in their hands. Having one that they’ve actually produced themselves is quite special.”

The fundraiser aims to raise £125,000, and for every £10,000 raised will be able to provide 4,000 children with their own customised Topic Heroes book.

Richard Pepper, print advocate and founder of greetings card firm Funky Pigeon, chairs the charity.

He said: “As a dyslexic, I’ve personally experienced the challenges that come with literacy struggles, and I know how important it is to support children in finding their own path to reading and writing.

“Joining Topic Heroes was an easy decision for me because it’s a cause close to my heart. I’m proud to support an initiative that not only helps children develop vital literacy skills but also instils a lifelong love for reading and writing, which in turn creates volume for the print industry.”

The crowdfunder is available online here.