Features

Reading champions

A local charity is supporting residents who lack literacy skills, one book at a time

ReadEasy volunteers after completing a seven hour sponsored walk last month, Credit: Read Easy

Read Easy is a local charity which coaches adults who live in Waltham Forest, to read. Trained volunteer coaches support readers, on a one to one basis. Readers learn at their own pace at twice weekly sessions. The coaching is free and confidential and sessions take place at locally approved venues throughout the borough.

With more than 2.4 million adults in the country unable or barely able to read this is a vital service. Being able to read has the potential to change lives. It influences employment opportunities, day to day life and builds confidence and self-esteem.


This story is published by Waltham Forest Echo, Waltham Forest's free monthly newspaper and free news website. We are a not-for-profit publication, published by a small social enterprise. We have no rich backers and rely on the support of our readers. Donate or become a supporter.


Last month, to raise money for our vital services, Read Easy Waltham Forest and South Chingford Community Library embarked on a seven hour sponsored walk through our borough. Volunteers walked from Leyton Library to North Chingford Library, visiting every library in the borough on the way. More than £1,000 was raised. Read Easy will use their share of the funds to train more coaches and purchase reading materials to support more readers in the coming months.

Would you like to support Read Easy? The team are currently looking for a publicity organiser, a volunteer recruiter, coordinators and reading coaches.

Volunteer: [email protected]

If you know a Waltham Forest resident who is interested in learning to read email: [email protected] 


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