One of the best things about working for, and leading, a charity, is the people you meet and the creative energy that bursts from them. Several years ago Simon Community Scotland merged with Streetwork in Edinburgh and I was introduced to a lovely supporter called Rachel Cowan.

Rachel told us the story of Streetreads, how she met someone who was begging on the streets of Edinburgh and offered to buy them a sandwich. ‘Could you buy me a book?’ was the response, one that surprised and delighted Rachel, herself a very keen reader.