Free one to one coaching for adults who want to learn to read is being provided thanks to a national charity operating locally, Read Easy Bath.
The group, which serves the city of Bath and its immediate surroundings, is run entirely by volunteers and was established during lockdown.
The first five readers have now started their learning adventure, having been matched with volunteer coaches.
It is estimated that over 4,000 adults may need help to learn to read in Bath alone.
On a practical level, not being able to read means that even carrying out everyday tasks can be very challenging, if not impossible.
Many adults who have difficulty with reading have never been to the doctor as they’re too embarrassed to have to read and fill in forms.
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, who help transform lives in the community through a proven, confidential programme of free, one-to-one, volunteer-led adult reading coaching.
Read Easy Bath was officially launched in December 2020 and has a management group of 10 volunteers and 2 coordinators who assess learners and match them with volunteer coaches.
The team are now looking to recruit more potential readers, as well as someone to support the management committee with IT issues, and a volunteer Treasurer.
Read Easy Bath Team Leader Mary Sheehy said: “We are delighted that our coaching has started and we are now actively helping adults in Bath learn to read.
“If you would like to learn to read, know someone who would like to learn or are an agency who might be able to put us in touch with potential readers, please let them know about Read Easy Bath.
“If you have IT or money management skills that would support the management team, do think about joining us. We are a supportive and friendly group committed to changing people’s lives through literacy.”
Read Easy Bath are also looking to recruit a volunteer IT Support person and a volunteer Treasurer.
To register an interest or to find out more about these roles, contact Read Easy Bath Volunteer Recruiter Juliet O’Reilly by email at [email protected].
Read Easy Bath is also looking for more people to coach. If you would like to learn to read or are an agency who can put the group in touch with potential readers, contact David Hassard, the Reader Recruiter at [email protected] or on 07976 160838.
