Guest Blog by Coram Beanstalk
Coram Beanstalk, a national children’s charity with over 50 years’ experience of supporting children to become confident, independent readers, is looking for volunteers in Southport.
At Coram Beanstalk, we believe that every child has potential. But for many, limited one-to-one support, a lack of books that reflect their interests and a home without reading advocates can make learning to read feel like building a Lego castle without the instructions.
And that’s where we – and you – come in.
We train and support community volunteers to give children something powerful – time, connection and joy – a shared love of books and the opportunity to dream.
By spending time each week, building relationships that go far beyond the pages of a book, our reading helpers follow the child’s pace, share laughter, listen deeply, and create a space where children choose to read and build essential skills for a brighter future.
Our volunteers find purpose and community in helping children grow in confidence and ability. And they’re never doing it alone – with our expert training, ongoing support, and a strong community behind them, they feel equipped and valued from day one.
All our partner schools receive a starter pack of Beanstalk Brilliant Books so our volunteers can introduce children to a wide variety of engaging resources and help each child to find and explore their own identity as a reader.
We believe every child deserves the magic of books and the opportunity of a bright future but we need volunteers to join us in order to reach those children.
Amy Lewis, Head of Coram Beanstalk: “Reading is such a fundamental skill for children to develop during their early years, but children who find it a struggle and don’t have an adult to read with on a regular basis can start to fall behind their peers, which can lead to a loss of confidence and reading enjoyment. Evidence shows, that when children not only can read but chooses to read, they not only achieve more academically across the whole curriculum, but they also benefit from improved well-being and go on to experience greater success in life.
And that’s where Coram Beanstalk reading helpers can really make a difference.
We need to fill vacancies in schools in the Southport area, and we can only reach more children by recruiting new reading helpers. Each volunteer will receive training and will support on average three children for 20-30 minutes, at least once a week. It really is such a fulfilling and meaningful volunteering role which transforms lives, so please get in touch today if you think you can help.”
Gillian Bain, a reading helper at a local primary school says: “I became a reading helper with Coram Beanstalk because I believe that in order for children to succeed, both in school and life, their ability to read is vital. During the past ten years I have worked with many amazing children, sharing a love of books. Coram Beanstalk’s regular programme of on-line development training, drop-in sessions and coffee mornings provides both constant support and the opportunity to make new friends.”
If you would be interested in becoming a reading helper in a local school, please visit our website for more information www.corambeanstalk.org.uk and to register your details at www.corambeanstalk.org.uk/register-now or, call us on 020 7729 4087.
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