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!"
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 · 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 Beanstalk
Organisation role · 1—5 hrs/Week
Norfolk
Listen to Children Read in School
Schoolreaders need volunteers to go into local primary schools in a range of areas across Norfolk during the school day to listen to the children read.
Posted by Schoolreaders
Organisation role · 1—2 hrs/Week
Norfolk Reading Pathway Volunteer - Dereham Library
We are looking for a volunteer to help an adult improve their reading skills through supporting them to learn phonics. All learning materials are provided.
Posted by Norfolk Library and Information Service
Organisation role · Flexible hours
Norwich
Reading Coaches needed to teach adults with literacy needs
Read Easy Norfolk are looking for volunteer Coaches in Norwich to help adults with their literacy needs.
Posted by Read Easy NorfolkOrganisation role · 1—2 hrs/Week
Norfolk Reading Pathway Volunteer - Great Yarmouth Library
We are looking for a volunteer to help an adult improve their reading skills through supporting them to learn phonics. All learning materials are provided.
Posted by Norfolk Library and Information Service