I am a patron of the following charities:

Stratford Literary Festival runs projects in schools to engage children in reading, holds bedtime story parties to encourage parents to write stories for their children, runs a year-round book group for people who find themselves a bit socially isolated and teaches prisoners to write bedtime stories for their children.

Storybook Dads - Enables imprisoned parents to make bedtime story CDs and DVDs for their children, helping to maintain the vital emotional bond.

Read for Good - Motivates children to read for fun and helps pupils raise money for children in hospital.

The Savoy Theatre, Monmouth – one of the oldest working theatres in Wales, with a mixed programme of cinema and live events.

Amaze - supports parents and carers of young people with special educational needs and disabilities in Brighton and West Sussex, and also provides support to the young people themselves.

I am also an ambassador for the children’s hospice Chestnut Tree House.