Coram Beanstalk, a national children’s charity with over 50 years’ experience of supporting children to become confident, independent readers, is looking for volunteers in Knowsley, particularly in the L32 postcode.
The charity believe that every child has potential, but for many, limited one-to-one support, a lack of books that reflect their interests and a home without reading advocates can make learning to read feel like building a Lego castle without the instructions.
Corum Beanstalk train and support community volunteers in helping children grow in confidence and ability. And they’re never doing it alone – with expert training, ongoing support, and a strong community behind them, volunteers feel equipped and valued from day one.
By spending time each week, building relationships that go far beyond the pages of a book, reading helpers follow the child’s pace, share laughter, listen deeply, and create a space where children choose to read and build essential skills for a brighter future.
All partner schools receive a starter pack of Beanstalk Brilliant Books so volunteers can introduce children to a wide variety of engaging resources and help each child to find and explore their own identity as a reader.
Amy Lewis, Head of Coram Beanstalk: “Reading is such a fundamental skill for children to develop during their early years, but children who find it a struggle and don’t have an adult to read with on a regular basis can start to fall behind their peers, which can lead to a loss of confidence and reading enjoyment. Evidence shows, that when children not only can read but choose to read, they not only achieve more academically across the whole curriculum, but they also benefit from improved well-being and go on to experience greater success in life.
And that’s where Coram Beanstalk reading helpers can really make a difference.
We need to fill vacancies in settings locally, especially in the Kirkby and L32 postcode area and we can only reach more children by recruiting new reading helpers. Each volunteer will receive training and will support on average three children for 20-30 minutes, at least once a week. It really is such a fulfilling and meaningful volunteering role which transforms lives, so please get in touch today if you think you can help.”
Quote from one of our reading helpers: “I had no idea how much it would come to mean to me, literally the best thing I have ever done (after a long career with various ‘good causes’). I think the children are truly amazing and I look forward to seeing them each week. It’s always such a joy to see them grow in confidence and discover that books can be fun and enjoyable!”
If you would be interested in becoming a reading helper in a local school, please visit the Corum Beanstalk website for more information www.corambeanstalk.org.uk or call on 020 7729 4087