Rochelle’s story
Rochelle discovered Chapter One through her employer, Liberty Global, which sponsors 30 employees to volunteer as 1:1 readers with children facing disadvantage.
All Chapter One volunteers participate through employer partnerships.
“I signed up as a Chapter One online reading volunteer because I really see the value that reading can bring, not just to a child but to an adult later in life. It’s definitely something I wish I’d been pushed to do more of as a child. There are so many benefits from reading – improving language skills, creativity, critical thinking – that take children through their school life and into their careers. In my role as a senior HR manager, I notice people who were extensive readers throughout their childhood. The value of being a reader is immeasurable, so I was really excited to sign up.
Every week, I spend 30 minutes reading online with a little girl [using Chapter One’s special platform]. We started on lower-level books when she was quite shy, but I’ve slowly brought her up through the levels. Now we’re getting through more challenging stories and activities, sometimes 10 or 12 pages versus the three or four pages she managed at the beginning of the year.
I schedule sessions into my working week just like any other meeting, and I can even book extra sessions if I know I’ll be away or there’s a half term coming up.
“The transformation in my pupil’s confidence has been extraordinary. She went from three-page books to saying ‘No, it’s okay, I can do it’ when faced with a 12-page story.”
Rochelle, Chapter One volunteer
Recently, when we opened a 12-page book and she initially said ‘that’s so much!’, I offered to take turns reading pages with her. But she said, ‘No, it’s okay, I can do it.’ That was such a proud moment – seeing how far she’d come and that she wanted to tackle it head-on herself without needing my help.
For me, personally, volunteering with Chapter One teaches softer skills like patience and communication. It’s made me think more carefully about knowing your audience – whether that’s a child or stakeholders and senior managers in my day-to-day work.
Unlike one-off volunteering events I’ve done before, this is something I genuinely look forward to every week. It’s a welcome break from my general activities, and there’s a different kind of ‘good feeling’ when you get to see someone develop over weeks and months rather than just for a single day.”
“If you’re considering volunteering with Chapter One, I’d absolutely recommend it. The regular commitment means you build a real relationship and witness genuine progress – and that sense of achievement is pretty amazing for both of you.”
Rochelle
Find out more about volunteering at Chapter One
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.
