Literacy push to help 'break cycle of poverty'
Getty ImagesPlans to tackle low levels of literacy have been announced in an attempt to help people escape "a cycle of poverty".
More than a third of adults in Hartlepool struggle with reading and writing, according to the local council, which affects them as well as their families.
The authority says it is creating a task force in partnership with firms and organisations, with the first meeting to be held later this month.
Labour's Pamela Hargreaves, chair of the council's economic growth and regeneration committee, said people with low levels of literacy "can struggle to cope with a range of day-to-day tasks".
These include helping their children with homework, understanding official letters, reading labels on medication and filling out job applications.
"As a result, they often experience social isolation, stigma and exclusion, poor health, welfare dependency, a lack of social cohesion, a higher level of crime and a lack of self-worth," she said.
"They can become trapped in a cycle of poverty with limited life opportunities.
"We all want more for Hartlepool residents and improving literacy and numeracy is the first step to supporting people to reach their full potential."
Organisations are being invited to a literacy summit on Wednesday 26 February at Hartlepool Further College of Education.
Guest speakers include Prof Gill Rowlands of Newcastle University, who specialises in understanding and using health information and services, Hartlepool's Labour MP Jonathan Brash and Dr Jessie Kelly-Baxter from the North East Chamber of Commerce.
The council said it would also be developing a literacy strategy setting out its ambition for everyone in the area, no matter their age.
Literacy "champions" will be appointed in each council department in an effort to tackle the barriers faced by people who find it difficult to read and understand information aimed at the public.