A group made up of volunteers have come together to launch Read Easy Bath, a new scheme to help adults in the city who are unable to read and write.
2.4 million adults in England struggle with reading, with over 4,000 adults estimated to need help to learn to read in Bath.
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 are working to transform lives in the community through a proven, confidential programme of free, one-to-one, volunteer-led adult reading coaching.
Read Easy Bath has officially launched this month with a group of nine volunteers aiming to have the programme fully up and running in the city by early next year.
They are now looking to recruit further volunteers to help deliver the programme.
Read Easy Bath Team Leader Mary Sheehy said: “This is an exciting chance to join a group of like-minded people, putting your existing skills to good use for a good cause.
“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.”
Read Easy Bath are looking to recruit a volunteer coordinator and volunteer reading coaches.
The coordinator will be responsible for pairing up adults who want to learn to read with volunteer coaches and offering ongoing support to these pairs.
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].
