Lorraine, like many Read Easy learners, went through school only to later discover that she had dyslexia. Wanting to read but struggling to do so left her feeling frustrated and limited in everyday life.

Simple things like reading letters, filling in forms, or reading to her grandchildren felt out of reach.

Lorraine first came to Read Easy after visiting the job centre, where she was told there was someone who could help. Soon after, she met her volunteer coach, Belinda, and they began working together at their local library.

At the beginning, Lorraine focused on practical, everyday goals – reading letters and following recipes. They started small, using things Lorraine enjoyed like baking, to make learning feel achievable and relevant.

“It was frustrating at first,” Lorraine admits. “I couldn’t remember some of the basics.”

But with patience, encouragement, and the right support, things began to fall into place. Session by session, Lorraine grew more confident and capable!

Lorraine can now read recipes and books, fill in job forms, and write emails independently. Most importantly, she can read to her grandchildren, something that once felt very difficult.

“Now I can do anything with them,” she says. “They’re happy. My children are happy. And I’ve done it myself.”

Looking back, Lorraine reflects on how easy it was to feel stuck and how important it was not to give up.

“I felt silly sometimes because I couldn’t do the things I wanted to do,” she says. “But when I got the right help, I told myself I wasn’t giving up.”

After nearly three years of learning, Lorraine graduated! She leaves Read Easy not just able to read with confidence, but feeling more self-assured, independent, and proud of what she’s achieved.