Queen Camilla's project announces move to help people heal from trauma

Two of Queen Camilla's main charitable focuses will join forces through an influential new partnership, the Daily Express can exclusively reveal. The Queen's Reading Room and domestic abuse charity the Elm Foundation will come together through book donations and grassroots work to support domestic abuse survivors in an effort to help them heal through the power of reading.

While the Queen's Reading Room is an independent charity responsible for its own fundraising, and the Elm Foundation is not tied to Her Majesty's official work with domestic violence charities, it is understood that she is aware of and supportive of the new partnership.

The Queen has long been an advocate for those who suffer abuse, coercive control and sexual violence.

Speaking exclusively about the collaboration, Vicki Perrin, CEO of the Queen's Reading Room, describes how ordinary activities such as reading can help heal people after they've suffered traumatic experiences.

"One of the key things the Elm Foundation is interested in is how therapeutic activities, like reading and being part of reading groups, can help individuals rebuild their lives." Ms Perrin told us.

"They have individuals in their staff and in their trustees who have used reading to move forward in life after truly horrible experiences of domestic violence, and are themselves now inspired to volunteer in the organisation to run book clubs."

The partnership will be a foundational first step.

Jennifer Calverley, CEO of The Elm Foundation, told the Express: "We see every day how trauma can isolate people who have been affected by domestic abuse. Reading, with its ability to transport, and connect with others, offers a gentle but profound way to begin rebuilding and regaining confidence...

"We know that survivors, when able to do so, often want to help others and this collaboration recognises the power of community storytelling in healing and recovery."

The partnership will be formally announced next month at the third Queen's Reading Room Festival, which will be held at Chatsworth House in Derbyshire between September 19 and 20.

Speaking of her hope that profits from the festival will be used to fund their grassroots efforts, Ms Perrin added: "It gives us so much joy to see the impact of books and reading and turning lives around firsthand - our hope is that we can really expand that over the coming years."

The Queen, too, will be thrilled by the partnership. Not only is she an avid reader, but she is also a champion of women's rights and safety.

While the charity is independent, Queen Camilla is known to make suggestions, and her passion gives partnerships like this one an extra layer of significance.

"Her Majesty's expertise and her understanding of domestic violence and the pathways to rebuilding lives are incredibly helpful to us in building our own work," Ms Perrin added.

"To be able to bring these two important causes together is the sort of thing that only Her Majesty can do.

"These projects come from her experience of listening, learning and having a passion to effect change, so I have high hopes for what we can do with our charity partners."

Echoing Ms Perrin, Ms Calverley was full of admiration for the way the two causes are being brought together. "This is incredibly moving. I feel very proud that The Elm Foundation has been chosen. Combining two causes, so close to the heart, sends a powerful message that healing is multifaceted and that compassion can be woven through every aspect of support.

"Seeing reading and domestic abuse recovery united under one vision is a testament to The Queen's Reading Room and Queen Camilla's commitment to real, lasting change."