Volunteers are invited to apply for opportunities to train as a leader to run community groups in two Halton libraries with the UK’s largest Shared Reading charity based in Liverpool.
The Reader is recruiting volunteers to lead an Open Community Shared Reading group at Halton Lea Library on Fridays, 2pm – 3.30pm which is open to all, while also welcoming speakers of other languages, and an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Shared Reading group at Widnes Library on Wednesdays, 12.30pm – 1.30pm, where people connect and share experiences using stories and poems.
Both of these groups are funded by an Our Halton Community Grant.
Abi Blackburn, Liverpool City Regional Partnerships Lead at The Reader, said: “Volunteering with The Reader puts you at the heart of our work and offers excellent opportunities to meet peers and develop skill-based knowledge and experience. Our volunteers bring a huge wealth of experience to what we do and come from a broad range of backgrounds, life experiences and ages.
“If you are motivated to be involved in your community and help support the wellbeing of people who are new to the UK, improving their English or from a refugee background, come and get involved.
“In a survey of Reader Leaders last year 92% replied they would recommend volunteering at The Reader with 90% saying it gave them a sense of achievement.”
Why Volunteer at The Reader?
Volunteers will receive in-depth training in person or online, as well as ongoing support from the Allerton-based national charity from its home at the restored grade II listed Mansion House in Calderstones Park. They will also become part of a thriving community of ‘Reader Leaders’ who lead groups across the city and the country.
Group leaders extend the charity’s mission to take Shared Reading to those who need it most. The Reader’s aim is to create an atmosphere of inclusivity where everyone feels at home. Applicants do not need to be a literature expert. Anyone is welcome to apply.
What can individuals gain from being a volunteer at The Reader?
Make a meaningful difference to others.
Deepen your personal experience of reading.
Be part of a passionate volunteer community.
Contribute to building a more connected and inclusive society.
The Reader is looking for someone with:
A passion for bringing diverse people together in their community.
Empathy, patience, the ability to listen and to hold a range of perspectives.
A desire to explore a range of literary texts and genres.
Reliability and commitment to leading a regular Shared Reading group.
Retired teacher Reader Leader, Jane, who runs one of The Reader’s 15 ESOL groups across the UK, based in the North West, said: “For displaced people, so much of their interaction with their new country is transactional – filling in forms and so on. I wanted to communicate with them as humans – soul to soul.
“Shared reading really is a way to meet people as equals, where we are all learning from each other. The literature is a catalyst for connection which is so needed by transient and marginalised communities. For that hour when we’re stuck into a great poem or story they feel seen and heard.”
Tariq came to the UK from Palestine. He had been living in Gaza with his family where he was studying law but eventually, was forced to flee with his brother to escape the continued conflict that has become part of everyday life in the region.
After attending Jane’s ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) group for 18 months he said: “Through the group I’ve made new friends and my English has improved a lot. I’ve discovered many new words through poetry and it’s helped me to develop my knowledge of everyday English.”
The charity also runs ESOL groups at its home in Calderstones Park, Liverpool, Toxteth, Bristol and Greater London. Another group meets at a women’s centre in Birmingham, while one meets weekly online, another is held at a centre for adults over 50.
Find out more and apply at thereader.org.uk/volunteer
For further information about The Reader visit here: https://www.thereader.org.uk/