National Year of Reading 2026
This year the UK Government has declared 2026 as the National Year of Reading. This campaign aims to encourage reading for pleasure by promoting reading as a joyful pass time also supporting academic and personal development. Transform Reading Culture to include digital formats and shared reading experiences which support diverse audiences by insuring all have access to relevant and engaging reading materials.
An article by School Readers a national charity supporting reading in schools says "One in four children leave primary school unable to read to the expected standard- a challenge that can affect their secondary education and future life chances."
To celebrate the National Year of Reading we will be sharing inspiring stories of how supportive reading volunteering has changed and impacted the lives of volunteers and the individuals they have supported as well as exploring ways to get involved with reading across Norfolk.
Schoolreaders
"Being asked by the class teacher to select a reader for an assembly award shows the trust and respect they have in me. But when that child, who didn't enjoy reading at first, came back from the assembly and ran to show me their award it made me realise how much my 3 hours a week was making a difference to the children. It makes it so rewarding and a pleasure to do. I really look forward to my Schoolreaders day - it's the best time of my week!"
Clare's story, volunteering for Schoolreaders
Hayley's story volunteering for Coram Beanstalk
I volunteer for Coram Beanstalk as a reading helper. Once a week, I
go to my local primary school and provide one to one support for
children in Year 5 and 6, helping them to discover the joy of reading
through fun and interactive sessions. Together, we read, play and
talk. Being a volunteer school reader is about children, reading and
the joy of learning.
Volunteering as a school reading helper is so much more than listening to
children read. It's giving them quality one to one time with an adult
where they can chat freely about their worries and life in general. As well
as reading, we will play games, do arts and crafts and spend time looking
at different types of books. All this helps them to feel valued and listened
too and helps with all areas of their learning and life outside of school.
The teachers all say how positive my visits are and how much the children
love them too
Volunteer roles supporting reading
Organisation role · 1—5 hrs/Week
Norfolk
Listen to Children Read in School
Schoolreaders are looking for volunteers across Norfolk to read with children 1:1 to help improve their reading skills and develop in them a love of reading.
Posted by Schoolreaders
Organisation role · 3—6 hrs/Week
Norfolk
Coram Beanstalk Reading Helper Volunteer, Primary School (North Walsham)
Reading Helpers are adult volunteers living or working within a 5 mile radius of a school that has asked for our help.
Posted by Coram BeanstalkReading support isn't just about reading roles
Behind the scenes roles with Read Easy
Behind the scenes roles with Read Easy
Helping an adult learn to read changes a life, but the Readers can't get started without people behind the scenes. At Read Easy, volunteers can make a real difference without ever sitting down to coach a Reader. Their local groups also need people to help run them, and these three management team roles might suit you.
Referrals Networker. Local groups rely on a steady stream of Reader referrals. In this role you'll build relationships with agencies such as Job Centres and social services, so that adults who need support can find their way to the group. It's ideal if you love networking and making new connections.
Venue Organiser. Get out and about in your community, working with local businesses and organisations to manage existing venues and find new ones. Libraries and similar settings work best, because they offer confidentiality without feeling like a classroom, and there's always someone else in the building. You'll help make sure Readers learn in a safe, comfortable space.
Publicity Organiser. Spread the word about what your local group does and how people can get support or volunteer. If you're creative, passionate about communications and confident with local media and social media, you'll help bring the story of adult reading to your community, using resources from Read Easy UK.
Whether you're a people person, an organiser or a communicator, there's a role that could use your skills. Find out more and get involved below.