Volunteers are wanted to help adults to read.

READ Easy South Dorset (RESD) is appealing for more volunteers to join the team dedicated to helping adults learning to read.

The charity offers free, local, one-to-one reading sessions to anyone over the age of 18 who either cannot read at all or who finds it difficult.

The course is not time limited so people can learn at their own pace.

Della Spurgin, the new team leader of RESD, said: "This approach is very successful and more adults are coming forward for help, which is why we need more volunteer co-ordinators and coaches in Weymouth"

Coaches work individually with people who have sought help, known as "readers".

There is a structured programme to follow, comprehensive training and ongoing support for coaches in their role.

Coaches need to have between one and two hours a week to commit to the programme.

Co-ordinators are the first point of contact for potential readers and need to be able to offer them a warm and understanding welcome.

They need good organisational skills, be prepared to attend meetings occasionally and be available for about eight hours a week.

A literacy background is helpful but not essential.

"What could be better than helping people to learn a skill that most of us take for granted?" said Della.

"Anyone over the age of 18 can be helped and there is no top age limit. We really can help to change their lives." 

To find out more about volunteering, call Della on 07984 413145.

If you know someone who could benefit from Read Easy’s help, encourage them to call Irene on 07490 757756.