The Queen recently met the Scottish presenter at a shelter in south London.
Lorraine Kelly highlights how reading can help people avoid homelessness.(Image: Justin Tallis/PA Wire)
Lorraine Kelly meets Queen Camilla to discuss how the simple practice of reading can help homeless people “get back on their feet”. Scottish TV presenter Recently the Queen was shown the work being done at a shelter in South London.
Camila has been involved in a variety of activities Reading and literacy projects over the years, including the formation of her Reading Room charity to help promote the benefits of reading. He has also endorsed the BBC’s 500 Words creative writing competition for children.
ITV’s Lorraine Kelly is also a self-proclaimed avid reader of books and has shared her mission to “marry” reading. homeless Charities such as St Mungo’s. He said that this can help those who are sleeping in poverty to get opportunities through education.
In a recent trip, camilla Delivered 20 personally selected books to St Mungo’s through its partnership with The Queen’s Reading Room. Speaking to reporters afterwards, Lorraine said: “I love reading, and this initiative is fantastic.
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“Combining two things I am passionate about, helping the homeless and teaching people to read, the two marry together beautifully.”
The TV host, who is a friend of St Mungo’s, said: “Having the Queen here has made all the difference in the world, it’s got everyone excited, got everyone excited. She’s really passionate about it, she really cares about it and knows her stuff, it’s great to have her here.”
During the Queen’s visit, she was given a royally supplied bookshelf that included titles such as Wuthering Heights, The Queen’s Necklace and I Capture the Castle.
St Mungos residents, trustees and support workers welcomed Camilla, and received a radish from the shelter’s garden, as well as a book on spirituality from a resident who is a self-published author.
Taking time to speak in the activity room of St Mungo’s south London accommodation, Camilla told residents that reading is “a wonderful form of escapism and takes (people) out of their lives and into another life.”
a former homeless resident DonationLee, who had returned to volunteer at St Mungos, had an “emotional” conversation with the Queen during her visit. Lee is now living independently.
Speaking about the reading-in-housing initiative, Lee said that “having a book with you when you’re homeless is an escape, like an oasis from the situation”.
Jessie Kaur, a support worker who has been with St Mungo’s for seven years, also said: “The books really help clients on their journey of recovery from homelessness, it’s a form of escapism, recovery from trauma they may have experienced.
“It provides a safe space for customers. QRR’s support is amazing, because sometimes we are not able to purchase books from their service.
“Sometimes clients’ reading abilities improve, so we’re really grateful for the Queen’s support and visit.”
St Mungo’s in South London serves 38 people and is one of 138 services at the charity which support people who are at risk of or already experiencing homelessness.
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