AN EVESHAM and Pershore charity has used World Book Day 2022 to encourage adults who struggle to read to come forward and ask for help.
Read Easy has asked those who know of friends and family members who cannot read, to pass on the charity’s phone number and encourage them to make a call that could transform their lives.
World Book Day, which took place this year last Thursday (March 3), aims to inspire children to read for pleasure and read together with their families.
But parents and grandparents who cannot read are not able to provide this support for their children and their learning, with many missing out on the important bonding time that comes with sharing a bedtime story.
The recent BBC documentary ‘Jay Blades: Learning to Read at 51’ followed The Repair Shop presenter and dad Jay Blades as he learnt to read with Read Easy.
Like many other parents who struggle to read, Jay had never been able to read his children bedtime stories. The highlight of the documentary was when Jay reached his goal of being able to read his teenage daughter one of her favourite childhood books.
Read Easy Evesham and Pershore offers free and confidential, one-to-one coaching, from trained volunteers. Coaches and learners meet twice a week at approved local venues, or online, to work for just half an hour at a time through a structured, phonics-based reading programme.
Team leader Sue Oxley said: “There are lots of different reasons why people don’t learn to read in childhood. For some it may have been a lack of support from their own family or school, for others it may have been undiagnosed dyslexia.
“But people should not feel ashamed or embarrassed about it. We are friendly, welcoming and here to help, whatever your age.”
Call Jo on 07761 156642, e-mail [email protected] or Simone on 07761 156698, e-mail [email protected] for more.
Read Easy Evesham and Pershore is also looking for more volunteers to enable them to help more adults in the area.
E-mail [email protected] for more.
