Matthew’s Talks at Bookbanks
Bookbanks – the charity that brings books to food banks – ran successful and inspiring author talks inside three UK food banks this March, launching a programme that will now see such events taking place quarterly.
The inaugural talk was given on 11 March 2025 by Bookbanks ambassador Andrew O’Hagan, at St Jude & St Paul’s Foodbank, London. Andrew read from his novel Caledonian Road, before answering questions from an audience of over 20 food bank guests, and signing free copies of his book.
This event was followed by two more, at other food banks with which Bookbanks partners: Helen Whitaker discussed her novel Single in the Snow at the Hammersmith and Fulham Foodbank, and Hugh Aldersey-Williams talked about his book Periodic Tales at the Wymondham Community Outreach Project, in South Norfolk.
At each event, 25 free copies of the book were distributed for free, courtesy of the author’s publishing houses, Faber & Faber, Hodder and Penguin.
“It was inspirational because I'm a potential writer myself." Douglas, Bookbanks Newington Green
“I came for the food, but I left with food for the soul!” Grace, Bookbanks Hammersmith & Fulham
“It's not everyday you get to get to meet a writer. My signed copy might be worth millions one day!” Lenny, Bookbanks Wymondham
“I do live book events every other day and I love them. But my Bookbanks experience in Newington Green was truly magical —just a pause, for all of us, in our preoccupations, to help each other along as human beings. I felt inspired by the people who came today. It reminds me what writing and social engagement is really all about.” Andrew O’Hagan, Bookbanks Ambassador
This new programme of quarterly events will take place across Bookbanks’ sites inside London, Norfolk and Manchester food banks. Called Matthew’s Talks, the events are named in memory of, and supported by the family and friends of Matthew McFadden, a man whose love of books provided the bedrock for his fierce moral strength and his innate sense of other people's worth and dignity.
About Matthew
Matthew McFadden was born in Glasgow on 17th January, 1982. He spent his childhood in Scotland, then moved to London aged ten, where he stayed for the rest of his life.
During his years at school and university he developed close friendships, endearing himself to others through his openness and honesty, his humour, and his ability to engage intelligently with anyone on any topic. He was compassionate and thoughtful, fiercely protective of his friends and family, and he always stood up for those facing social injustices.
Matthew loved reading, devouring everything from Terry Pratchett's wackiest novels to multi-volume historical tomes, and during the last two years of his life he had begun to experiment with writing short stories.
His family know that Matthew would have loved the idea of Bookbanks and that, perhaps if time had been kinder to him, he would have been able to engage with the project in person, as a published author.
Bookbanks breaks cycles of poverty by sharing stories and writing fairer futures.
Over 3% of UK individuals are using food banks. Meanwhile more than 1 in 10 UK children do not own a single book of their own, and a DWP study shows that being read to at the age of 5 is an important protective factor against poverty at the age of 30.
Bookbanks distributes 25 copies of the author’s book to food bank guests at each Matthew’s Talks event, to enable and increase book ownership.
Reading passages aloud will increase accessibility, engaging more food bank guests.
Conversations and questions during events will help to build literacy and close reading skills.
The experience of meeting an author will inspire and encourage readers.
To date, over 5,000 books have been distributed to communities at Bookbanks sites in Newington Green and Hammersmith & Fulham in London, and at Wymondham and Norwich in Norfolk.
The charity has further nationwide expansion plans for 2025, which will enable it to partner with more food banks and reach more communities throughout the UK.
100% of Bookbanks guests surveyed agreed with: “This bookbank has helped me to feel more positive about the future.”
What impact will Matthew’s Talks have?
Donating in Matthew’s name
It costs around £300 to run each Matthew’s Talks event.
As Bookbanks grows to partner with more food banks across the UK, Matthew’s Talks will reach more people, but the annual costs will grow too.
You can help to make this happen, by making a one-off or regular donation: