A charity that helps adults learn to read in Bath has launched an appeal to find an IT volunteer to help with the digital side of their work.
2.4 million adults in England alone struggle with reading, with over 4,000 adults estimated to need help to learn to read in Bath.
On a practical level, not being able to read means that even carrying out everyday tasks can be very challenging, if not impossible.
Being unable to read and write is also often associated with depression, isolation and even higher mortality.
Read Easy is a charity with groups across the UK that provide a confidential programme of free, one-to-one, volunteer-led adult reading coaching.
Read Easy Bath was launched in November 2020 and is run entirely by volunteers.
It has a management team, two coordinators and a group of thirteen trained coaches aiming to start providing free one-to-one coaching as soon as lockdown is lifted.
The team is now looking to recruit an IT Support to help the group function smoothly.
Read Easy Bath Team Leader Mary Sheehy said: “This is an exciting chance to join a group of like-minded people, putting your IT skills to good use for a good cause.
“We need someone who can help our volunteers set up email accounts, use the Office suite including Sharepoint, learn how to set up Zoom and other communication tools for possible online coaching. Becoming a volunteer for Read Easy is fun and fulfilling.
“We know that learning to read really does change lives and being part of that process is special and very rewarding.”
The IT support volunteer will be the first port of call for IT queries from the Management Team, Co-ordinators and reading coaches.
To register an interest or to find out more about the role, contact Read Easy Bath Team Leader, Mary Sheehy by email at [email protected].