Read Easy Croydon seeks volunteers as 20 adults await reading support
Charity supporting adults with free one-to-one coaching faces delays matching learners with trained volunteers
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Named volunteer team leader quoted, but no documents or multiple outlets; score 50.
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Read Easy Croydon is asking for more volunteers after revealing that several adults seeking help with reading are waiting to be matched with trained coaches. The charity, which operates across the borough, currently supports over 20 learners through free, confidential sessions.
Anju Elmes, team leader at Read Easy Croydon, said the demand for the service remains strong. She told local media that adults who join the programme often take years to seek help, having hidden their difficulties after leaving school without basic literacy skills.
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How the programme works
Volunteers meet learners twice a week to develop reading skills and build confidence. The sessions aim to help adults with everyday tasks, improve job prospects, and support their wellbeing. Two learners have completed the programme this year, the charity reported.
Every adult who comes to Read Easy has their own story, but they all share the courage to take that first step towards learning to read.
Anju Elmes, team leader at Read Easy Croydon
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Elmes said the charity is marking England’s National Year of Reading and the 60th anniversary of UNESCO’s International Literacy Day. She added that literacy challenges persist for many adults long after they leave school, affecting their daily lives and opportunities.
Volunteers needed
Read Easy Croydon is looking for volunteers to help run the organisation and match learners with coaches. The charity said it relies on community support to continue offering its services, which are free and confidential for participants.
No prior teaching experience is required, as volunteers receive training. Those interested can contact the charity directly through its website or local outreach events.
What happens next
The charity will continue its recruitment drive over the coming months. It has not set a deadline for applications but said it aims to match waiting learners with coaches as soon as possible. Residents can find more details on Read Easy Croydon’s website.
Questions this report answers
+How many adults does Read Easy Croydon support?
Read Easy Croydon currently supports more than 20 adults with free, one-to-one reading coaching. Several more are waiting to be matched with volunteer coaches, as demand for the service remains high.
+What do volunteers do at Read Easy Croydon?
Volunteers at Read Easy Croydon meet learners twice a week to help develop reading skills and confidence. They receive training and do not need prior teaching experience to support adults in the programme.
+How can I volunteer with Read Easy Croydon?
Residents can volunteer by contacting Read Easy Croydon through its website or local events. The charity is seeking help to match learners with coaches and support its operations across the borough.
+Why is Read Easy Croydon marking UNESCO’s Literacy Day?
Read Easy Croydon is marking UNESCO’s International Literacy Day to highlight that literacy challenges affect adults long after school. The charity offers free, confidential support to help adults gain skills and confidence.
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