The Mayor of Sandwell had the opportunity to meet with the National Literacy Trust to help launch this year’s Take 10 to Read campaign.

The campaign calls on everyone to take 10 minutes to read on the 10 October at 10am. Reading has been shown to help people relax, boost mood and improve mental wellbeing.

All Sandwell council employees are being encouraging to get involved even if just for 10 minutes.

Everyone can get involved by heading to literacytrust.org.uk.

Reading doesn’t have to be a book. It could be the post-match analysis of Saturday’s football game, an interview with a favourite actor, DIY hacks or even recipes.

Plus, if you have little ones aged 0-5 the Literacy Trust are hosting a Storytelling event with the Albion Foundation at their community sports hall on the 10 October. See the link below for more information”

The Mayor of Sandwell, Councillor Syeda Khatun MBE, said: “We all know that the ability to read is a great life skill, but it should also be fun. I am encouraging everyone to take 10 minutes to take part and  read something whether they are five or 95.”