A charity that helps adults improve their reading skills in Melksham is seeking a literary specialist volunteer to help expand its vital work.
Read Easy North and West Wiltshire supports between 20 and 25 people at any given time, helping them gain confidence in both reading and writing. The one-to-one coaching has a life-changing impact on individuals ranging from recent school leavers to people in their 60s.
The network of dedicated volunteer coaches who give their time each week rely on the support of a literacy specialist to ensure they are using the most effective teaching methods.
While the group currently has a specialist in place, there is a growing need for a second expert to meet the demand for its services, especially as the charity prepares to celebrate its tenth anniversary since its formation in Melksham in 2015.
Read Easy group leader, Suze MacDonald, said, “We know that there is a huge demand for the life-transforming work we do. We need someone who can be the ‘wind beneath the wings’ of our fantastic coaches so we can bring our support to even more people.”
The ideal volunteer will have experience in teaching reading, with an understanding of the differences between teaching adults and children. They will receive comprehensive support from the existing specialist as well as the group’s management committee.
Suze added, “It’s a tremendously rewarding role, and you’ll be part of a friendly, supportive network of volunteers. You could be the key to changing even more lives.”
One person who has benefited from the work of Read Easy is 64-year-old Dave. After three years of coaching, he is learning to love reading. “I used to have to ask for help in shops or at the police station to find my way around,” he explained. “Many of the companies I worked for didn’t even know I struggled with reading. The one-to-one support from Read Easy has really made a difference.”
He added, “I’d definitely recommend it to anyone. I feel so much more confident now. People often say ‘you’re never too old to learn’, and they’re absolutely right.”
To learn more about the literacy specialist volunteer role, please email nwwrecruiter@readeasy.org.uk.
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