Notice: New Reading Coaching Charity Needs Volunteers

Published on: 6 May, 2023
Updated on: 6 May, 2023

Over 5% of adults in Guildford can either barely read, or cannot read at all says the literacy charity, Read Easy. They have now established a local group, in order to help these adults gain the reading skills they need to fulfil their potential.

If you know someone who might benefit from improving their reading skills, please get in touch with Dickon Hutchings by ‘phone on 07824 340092 or email wsnehnetworker@readeasy.org.uk.

If you are interested in becoming a reading coach or our new coordinator, please contact Ashley Nuttall on 07874 020009 or email wsnehrecruiter@readeasy.org.uk.

Reading is a basic requirement of everyday life, and for many of us it is a skill we take for granted. Yet there are 2.4 million adults in England who struggle to read.

Read Easy UK’s trained volunteer reading coaches provide free, confidential, one-to-one coaching to adults who want to learn to read. Established in 2011, Read Easy now has 80 affiliated groups across England and 1,400 volunteers.

Its newest group, set up in March, covers West Surrey and North East Hampshire including Guildford, Woking, Farnborough and Fleet.

Leader of the new group, Kate Kemp said: “People are surprised when they hear how many adults struggle with their reading, but there are lots of valid reasons why someone may need support. For example, they may have a learning difference such as dyslexia, autism or ADHD.

“Maybe their need for extra support was not recognised or fulfilled at school, or maybe they are relearning after a brain injury.

“In some parts of England, up to 10% of working age adults would struggle to fill in a job application form, use a cash point, do the food shopping, or read a story to their children. Remarkably, they have often managed to keep their literacy struggles hidden from others.

“It is amazing how much confidence people can gain from improving their reading. People feel more confident doing everyday important tasks, like going to the doctor or talking to teachers. They are able to fill in job application forms. They can read to their children.

“Having improved reading skills hugely increases their self-esteem, often improving their mental health. Reading gives them independence, reduces feelings of isolation, and empowers them to connect with the wider world.”

Read Easy West Surrey and NE Hampshire is currently looking for volunteers to become reading coaches, and to identify readers who would benefit from coaching. A reader and their coach meet for half an hour at a time, twice a week, in an approved local reading venue. Online coaching is also possible.

The new group is also seeking a second volunteer Coordinator, based in the Woking/Guildford area.

Kemo said: “Coordinators are absolutely key to the running of each Read Easy group. They are responsible for meeting and enrolling adults who want to learn to read, and interviewing volunteer reading coaches. They match new readers with their coaches, and provide them with ongoing support throughout their reading journey.

“It’s a demanding role, but incredibly rewarding.”