Lisa’s story
I’ve always understood the important role local charities play in improving people’s lives. What I hadn’t realised, until joining Read Easy Norfolk, was just how many adults get by with little or no reading skills at all.
For many of our Readers, school wasn’t a positive experience. Learning to read as an adult can feel daunting, but it can also be truly life changing. I quickly came to appreciate how transformative that journey can be when someone is finally given the chance to learn in a supportive and safe environment.
I became the group’s Publicity Organiser shortly after Read Easy Norfolk was formed in early 2024, just in time to help with the launch event. Our newly formed team joined forces for the first time, building networks and securing coverage across local broadcasters and newspapers. The response exceeded all expectations. Looking back, the event not only attracted new Readers and volunteers; it also brought us together as a committed team determined to serve our community.
Since then, our reading coaches have shared with me the pride they feel when meeting their Readers for the first time, some of whom have held successful jobs while relying quietly on family members for help with reading.
“Coaches speak often about the joy of seeing Readers grow in confidence as they achieve something that once felt impossible”
Lisa, Read Easy UK Volunteer
Volunteering with Read Easy has allowed me to meet so many extraordinary people: volunteers, Readers, referral partners and local charities, all focused on helping others reach their full potential. It is genuinely inspiring.
One year on from our launch, we held a celebration event to recognise and empower our Readers by sharing their achievements. Several Readers chose to speak, encouraging others to take that first step. Their stories were powerful reminders of how life-changing learning to read can be. One parent shared that she wished she had asked for help sooner, saying, “It’s never too late to learn to read.” Another described the joy of reading bedtime stories to his children for the very first time.
Many people hesitate to volunteer because they underestimate the skills they already have. At Read Easy, we see time and again that when volunteers apply their existing strengths, supported by our training, they often discover they’re capable of far more than they ever imagined.
Find out more about volunteering at Read Easy UK
Click here to see a role description
Volunteers
Help someone discover the joy of reading
A little of your time can open up whole new worlds for someone else. Find out how you can support learners and be part of the National Year of Reading across 2026.
