New online coaching service in Shropshire for people who struggle with reading
It’s taken for granted that we all learned to read and write at school, however there are many local people who struggle with this essential life skill. Just imagine how your life would be if you couldn’t read forms or letters, follow medicine instructions, or read a new recipe?
Free, confidential, one-to-one help
Read Easy Shropshire Hills matches up adults who want to learn to read with a trained reading coach and they work together through reading manuals, in private, at a time to suit them both. It’s as easy as that and its free!
What’s important is that everyone can learn at their own pace without feeling rushed. There’s no pressure or targets or exams to worry about and no reminders of what it was like at school.
Before the pandemic all coaching sessions were held face-to-face in quiet locations such as cafes and libraries, but out of necessity we have had to find new ways to keep on coaching. Coaching online or via WhatsApp has been so successful and convenient for many reading pairs that, by working with other Read Easy groups, we can now offer the service to anyone in Shropshire during the day or after work.
It doesn’t matter if a new reader doesn’t have access to a computer or has never used one before. We can loan readers a tablet, set it up for them, and show them how to use it even if they have no computer or keyboard skills. However, online coaching isn’t for everyone and for some of our readers coaching by phone is a better option.
We will continue to offer face-to-face coaching to people who would prefer to meet in person if there is a suitable local venue.
Billy learns to read at 60
Billy who comes from South Shropshire struggled to learn to read as a child and never felt he was progressing at school. He has been meeting up with his coach Helen on Zoom for a year and has recently celebrated his 60th birthday and receiving his second Read Easy certificate – proving it’s never too late to learn to read.
How to get in touch
Learning to read can literally be life changing. People grow enormously in confidence, self-esteem and independence as well as being able to navigate the world of the written word.
If you would like to find out more, or you know someone who would like to learn to read contact Amana Winchester on 07707 762653 or email her at shcoordinator@readeasy.org.uk. For volunteering enquiries email Ros at shrecruiter@readeasy.org.uk
