11 October 2018

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon joined bestselling author Ian Rankin for the relaunch of Streetreads – a scheme which distributes books to people who are rough sleeping in Edinburgh.

The organisation has joined with Streetwork to reach more homeless people across the city.

celebrating a new chapter for beloved @streetreads as they join forces with @street_work!

Heartwarming tributes to the #bookwumman from @NicolaSturgeon & @Beathhigh; Rachel’s compassion has touched so many lives, including#homeless readers, and us #NotAllHeroesWearCapes pic.twitter.com/MXibG3nQRK

— Lighthouse Bookshop (@Lighthousebks) October 11, 2018

The First Minister also confirmed the Scottish Government would provide £3,000 to help Streetreads reach more vulnerable people through their storytelling workshops.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:

Streetreads and Streetwork both do excellent work supporting people experiencing homelessness. Tackling and preventing homelessness is more than just providing a house. Books can help people reconnect with others and give a sense of community again through shared stories and shared enjoyment. I love getting lost in a good book so I’m pleased to donate some to Streetreads so others can enjoy them and the Scottish Government is also providing £3,000 to help them reach more vulnerable people.”

FM @NicolaSturgeon joined @Beathhigh and #bookwumman to launch the new partnership between @streetreads and @street_work and confirmed £3,000 funding to help them reach more people through their storytelling workshops. pic.twitter.com/oLp2IcRmZj

— First Minister (@ScotGovFM) October 11, 2018