Read Easy Leeds offers free, confidential, one-to-one reading support for adults who would like to improve their reading skills or learn to read for the first time.
Despite the importance of literacy in everyday life, Government figures from the Skills for Life Survey indicate that around 2.4 million adults across England struggle with reading or are unable to read, highlighting the ongoing need for accessible support services.
The role of Coordinator is vital. Coordinators support volunteer Coaches and Readers throughout their coaching journey. They are the first point of contact for an adult seeking help with their reading.
To provide an insight into the role, Joanne Kemp, who pioneered Read Easy Leeds and has served as a Coordinator since its inception, shares some of her experiences and reflections on what makes the role so rewarding.
“Read Easy Leeds opened in 2021 and since then I have been one of our Coordinators. As an ex secondary school teacher, I knew there was a huge need for adult reading support, and I wanted to keep working towards improving literacy within my local community. As a Coordinator, I have made connections with so many organisations, networking with service providers to support adults from all over Leeds.
“I remember clearly the first phone call I took from a lady asking if we could help her. Hearing an adult asking for help having spent most of her adult life feeling excluded and often ashamed about her inability to read made a huge impact. Since then, my fellow Coordinator and I have offered help to over 78 readers, visiting reading pairs across 14 Leeds reading venues to share in successes and deliver resources. Many of these adults have gone on to gain employment, places at college and those with children are now able to support children’s reading at home.
“It is a role which has given me such satisfaction over the years, supporting our reading pairs as they work together for months or even years. I see our Readers grow in confidence, unlocking their potential to take part more fully in their own communities. Often the reading session is the highlight of the week for Readers who have become isolated and it is wonderful to see Readers such as Ted who is 60 and lives alone, beaming at me as he finishes reading a page out loud. The role has also given me the opportunity to meet and interview new Coaches who come from a huge range of careers, and I’m always struck by what a positive experience this provides.
“When we meet up for regular get togethers we share our experiences and top tips for coaching. As Readers progress through the programme, we hold certificate days where friends and family can celebrate the hard-won successes. The transformation in self-esteem is wonderful to witness as one-by-one Readers collect their certificates and stand up in front of Coaches, friends and family to speak about how Read Easy has changed their lives.”
If you would like to learn more about the Read Easy Coordinator role or arrange an informal chat about volunteering with Read Easy Leeds, please email leedsrecruiter@readeasy.org.uk.
About Read Easy UK
Read Easy is a growing movement of trained and dedicated volunteers who provide free, personalised, and confidential one‑to‑one coaching to help adults learn to read. Our unique approach is delivered through a nationwide network of affiliated Read Easy Groups across England. These Groups are run by volunteers who offer tailored support that transforms the lives of the adults they coach. Read Easy UK provides the infrastructure, resources, training, safeguarding, and governance guidance that enables local Groups to operate effectively and offers ongoing guidance and support so volunteers can deliver high‑quality, one‑to‑one reading coaching and learn from each other. There are currently 80 Read Easy Groups across England.
