Read Easy UK is the only national organisation in the country which provides a volunteer-led reading coaching programme for adults.
The support we provide is:
- Free – our Reading Coaches and Management Teams volunteer their time, and resources and training are funded by kind donations
- Confidential – only a few people in each group know the identity of our Readers, and all coaching takes place in a private space within a public place so that people feel encouraged to come forward and ask for help
- One-to-one – many Readers have had a poor experience in a school classroom or group setting, so our personal approach allows Readers to develop a supportive and trusting bond with their dedicated Coach.
“I know that I have the tools to progress and Read Easy and my coaches have gone above and beyond to help me. I still get scared when I compare myself to my colleagues, but I know that I can use my new skills and my improved confidence to do my job and not hide.”
'Nicky' - Reader, Read Easy Birmingham South East & Solihull
A Reader and their Coach meet for half an hour at a time, twice a week, in one of a range of approved local reading venues which provide space free of charge. They work in spaces where they are not overlooked, but where there will always be other people around for safeguarding purposes. Some groups also provide coaching online or over the phone.
Coaching is provided through a highly effective, phonics-based reading programme called Turning Pages, published by the charity Shannon Trust. An adult reading journey usually takes two years as a minimum. On completion, learners will have acquired the skills they need to move on to further reading and learning. The programme takes people systematically through the learning process step by step, at their own pace and steadily builds their confidence.
The Turning Pages programme also includes 45 graded reading books, written especially for adults, so that from an early stage people can begin to read for meaning and pleasure. Our Coaches will often tailor sessions and tasks to Readers personal interests, making what they learn both useful and engaging to them.
As people discover that they can read, their self-esteem grows, and they experience a real sense of excitement about the many opportunities that are now open to them for the first time.
Inspired to help adults in your community to learn to read?
VolunteerHelp us reach and support more adults who can't read.
Support us2.4 million adults in England alone can't read.
Why we existOur vision is for all adults in the UK to have the literacy skills they need to fulfil their potential and live life to the full.