Volunteers wanted to pass on their love of reading to pupils

More volunteers are needed to help primary school children build their confidence and develop a love of reading.

Literacy Volunteers, a charity that helps pupils with reading and communication skills, is appealing for help.

It works in the Newark area as well as Sherwood and Arnold in Nottingham.

Area co-ordinator Emma Collis said volunteers read and play word games with selected children on a one-to-one basis.

There is no requirement for formal qualifications, and training, which will start in the autumn, is provided.

Volunteers are also given ongoing support.

Emma said: "Volunteers should like children, enjoy reading, be patient, flexible, and reliable.

"They need to be able to commit to visiting a school on the same morning or afternoon each week for at least a year."

Volunteers each help about four or five children, and work with them for an agreed length of time per session — normally about half an hour.

Shona Cain, a volunteer for 12 years, became involved after seeing an article in the Advertiser appealing for help.

"I have always loved books and read with my own children," she said.

She spends one afternoon a week at the William Gladstone Church Of England Academy, Newark.

"I enjoy it. It is lovely to work with children and see them grow in confidence," she said.

Jennifer Pell, a volunteer for ten years, also joined the scheme after reading an Advertiser article. Like Shona, she is a volunteer at William Gladstone.

"As a child and going into adulthood I loved reading — and my happiest times were spent in the local library," Jennifer said.

"My mother could not afford to buy me expensive toys, but what she could do was encourage my love of reading.

"I would like to pass this love on to future generations.

"Reading is the gateway to a more fulfilling life.

The deputy head at William Gladstone, Amber Latif, said literacy volunteers made a huge impact with the children they worked with.

"We need more volunteers who can give some time and make a difference," she said.

Amber said the ability to read was vital and without it children could not progress in other lessons, including maths, geography and history.

"Reading is fundamental across the whole curriculum," she said.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer should call 0115 8765474 or email contact@literacyvolunteers.org.uk