A Wiltshire charity is hoping to use World Book Day as a springboard to reach more adults who struggle with reading.
The international celebration on Thursday 5th March comes as Read Easy North and West Wiltshire looks to expand its work supporting adults across the county.
The charity currently helps around 20 people at any one time but is keen to grow that number. Outreach work has recently begun in areas of social need including Melksham Forest and Studley Green in Trowbridge.
Read Easy offers a free, one-to-one service in and around Bradford on Avon, Calne, Chippenham, Corsham, Devizes, Melksham and Trowbridge, with coaching delivered by trained volunteers.
Among the recent graduates of its tailored programme is JJ, from Calne.
The 26-year-old hospitality worker never fully learned to read and write at school. After two and a half years of twice-weekly coaching sessions, he says the impact on his life has been transformative.
Most importantly, he can now read bedtime stories to his daughter, who will soon turn five.
He said: “It feels very good. It can be quite hard getting the speed right, but sometimes she wants me to go back and read something again, so that makes things easier.”
JJ, who is currently looking for work, says learning to read has given him independence and confidence.
“I can read the ingredients in recipes now, which means I can make meals without someone having to read them to me. I can do it for myself and be more independent. That’s a really nice feeling to have.”
He is also preparing more confidently for his driving theory test, as he can now read practice questions independently. He enjoys reading travel books and Manga comics, and says applying for jobs has become far easier.
The charity hopes his story will encourage others to come forward for support as the Government marks the National Year of Reading.
Team leader Suze Cox said: “JJ’s story is so inspiring. He’s shown great bravery in getting help and great commitment in completing our programme.
“Our amazing team of local volunteers is committed to helping more adults learn to read, providing a great service to our readers and offering a volunteering experience that is fulfilling and transformative.
“We’re here to help adults in Wiltshire with a free one-to-one service based on a tried and tested programme of learning, which we individualise to meet the specific needs of each reader.”
Other adults supported by the charity have spoken about the everyday differences improved literacy has made.
One said: “Becoming a better reader has given me more confidence, especially when it comes to having conversations. Before I used to listen to others, but now I feel I can get more involved and let people know what I think.”
Another added: “I’m reading messages from my brother and letters from the hospital that I would have asked him to read for me. Now I’m in my own place I’m better at doing it myself.”
Anyone who knows someone who may benefit from support can email
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