More volunteers sought in Lambeth to help adults read

A new scheme to help illiterate adults read is set to launch in Lambeth – and more volunteers are being sought to help.

Lisa Watts, 71, of Abbotswood Road, Streatham Hill, is overseeing the Read Easy group, which aims to help adults who cannot read. 

In January, she retired after 45 years of working in children’s publishing, and is keen to make a difference in the lives of many who are illiterate and want to break free of the stigma attached to the condition. 

She is holding an online public meeting with 40 potential volunteers next month with a view to setting up the service and officially affiliating with Read Easy UK by the end of the year.

Lisa said: “I know the joy that reading books can bring – and also that children who grow up with adults who can read, in a household with books, are more likely to be readers themselves and do better at school.  

“The stark reality is that 2.4m adults in the UK cannot read, while 2.5m struggle to read.”

“For the new Lambeth group I am looking for volunteers for a number of different roles for our management team, including a treasurer, fundraiser, volunteer coordinator, literacy specialist, publicity organiser and more.  

“The work is fun and fulfilling, but it also needs commitment and passion. Volunteers are given lots of support and full training. They meet a diverse range of people and are part of a genuinely life-changing organisation.”

To learn more about becoming a Read Easy volunteer in Lambeth, please contact Lisa at: lambethpioneer@readeasy.org.uk or visit the Read Easy website. 

Pictured top: Successful new readers with their ReadEasy certificates (Picture: Lisa Watts)