Our impact

We work nationwide offering free programmes for schools, libraries, bookshops and families. 

And we provide sustained engagement in targeted regions, transforming communities  

Together we've reached

children and young people in 2025
100

When empathy sparks change

See the impact of our FREE Nationwide campaign

“[EmpathyLab] helps us build a school where every child is seen, valued and understood”

Charlton Primary School

Sustained impact

From our work with schools over the last 10 years, we know that an increased empathy focus through reading has a positive impact on children’s wellbeing in a number of different ways. In schools embedding our strategies – which are designed to be folded into reading work already taking place, rather than a bolt-on programme:

  • 100% of teachers reported that children had developed a far better understanding of what empathy is, how it works and why it matters.
  • 75% of teachers reported that children were calmer and less stressed
  • 100% of teachers reported that children could more easily name and share emotions
  • 87% of teachers said they had observed an increase in the frequency of children reading for pleasure

Our current Empathy Schools

(not all schools listed)

“If you are interested in fostering children’s well-being and building a more caring society, then there is good evidence that empathy should be a key priority. Research identifies empathy’s relevance to improving children’s behaviour, mental health, achievement and pro-social attitudes. It is not a fluffy thing, but a foundational life skill.” 

Professor Robin Banerjee, Sussex University, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global and Civic Engagement

We want every child to benefit from a powerful reading-based empathy education.

Our approach provides a triple win

Reading for enjoyment increases, linked to greater academic and life chances for children, especially those from more disadvantaged backgrounds 

Wellbeing improves, through emotional regulation, community connection, and social cohesion

Social action habits increase, creating active citizens who positively impact local and global causes