Two volunteer opportunities have arisen to train and work with UK Shared Reading charity The Reader in Halton

The Reader is recruiting two volunteers to lead two Shared Reading groups in Widnes and Halton Lea Library within Liverpool City Region – both welcoming speakers of other languages. 

Two volunteer opportunities have arisen to train as a group leader with the UK’s largest Shared Reading charity based in Liverpool. 

The Reader is recruiting two volunteers to lead a 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 a second ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) group at Widnes Library on Wednesdays, 12.30pm - 1.30pm, to support their wellbeing. 

Both of these groups are funded by an Our Halton Community Grant. 

At Shared Reading groups, people connect and share experiences using stories and poems. There is no pressure to talk or read aloud.  

Pauline Ruth, Chair of Trinity Safe Space Charity, one of The Reader’s partners in Halton as part of this project, said: "Shared Reading can offer opportunities for our beneficiaries to practice their reading in English, improve their listening skills and feel more confident to join in discussions about the content of the pieces and how it makes them feel."   

Why Volunteer at The Reader? 

Volunteers will receive in-depth training, as well as ongoing support from the charity whose home is The Mansion House in Liverpool’s 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 you 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. 

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. 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 support people who are new to the UK, improving their English or from a refugee background, come and get involved. It can also help you develop your skills and experience. 

“In a survey of our Reader Leaders last year 92% replied they would recommend volunteering at The Reader with 90% saying it gave them a sense of achievement. 

“If you have any questions about these volunteering roles or you would like more information about how your volunteering can make a difference we are here to help. You can check out our Become a Volunteer page here.” 

Cynthia, one of the charity’s volunteer group leaders, said: “For me, being part of The Reader has added a different dimension to my understandings, my appreciation and my sorrows. I can’t praise it enough. It’s given me a new stride in my step.” 

Patricia has been attending one of The Reader’s ESOL groups at Toxteth Library since she moved to Liverpool from Chile to be closer to her daughter, who lives in the city. 

She said: “This activity is very good for my vocabulary and expression. When I arrived in Liverpool I could say only a few words, such as ‘Good morning’ and ‘Good afternoon’ 

“Now I speak with much more confidence. I love listening to poetry, even if I do not understand all the words.” 

The Reader currently runs 15 ESOL Shared Reading groups, across the UK. Three well-established groups meet in libraries in Liverpool, 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 and there is a large ESOL group in the Lancashire town of Skelmersdale.  

Find out more and apply here.

For further information about The Reader visit here.