Meet Calderstones Volunteer, Beryl: ‘It has been a life changing experience for me’   

The UK’s largest Shared Reading charity is celebrating its amazing team of volunteers throughout June inspired by Volunteers’ Week 2025, Monday 2 June – Sunday 8 June. 

NAME: Beryl 

WHERE DO YOU VOLUNTEER? The Mansion House, Calderstones Park in Liverpool 

ROLE? I work on the Welcome Desk and Reception office at The Reader’s home in Calderstones Park. I also run our Chatty Café in the main Café once a week. 

WHY DID YOU WANT TO VOLUNTEER WITH THE READER? Although brought up in north Liverpool, I moved to Cornwall in 1970 to join my husband who was stationed in the Royal Naval base. I visited Liverpool regularly as my mother was still alive until about eight years ago, so I never lost my connection with Liverpool. My son decided some time ago to leave Cornwall and move to Liverpool for work. He then married, had two children and settled in south Liverpool. Although I visited regularly, I missed seeing my grandchildren growing up.  

So, in 2019 I decided to move back up north. I was lucky to find a lovely flat opposite Calderstones Park and moved in in March 2020 just as the first UK lockdown happened. Before moving I had looked at The Reader online and saw that there were many possibilities there for meeting new people, which I was keen to do as I only knew my son and family in this area. 

As soon as the lockdowns had ended and we were allowed to move around freely again, I came into The Reader’s home at the Mansion House to enquire about groups, and it was suggested by one of the Welcome Desk volunteers that I might like to put myself forward as a volunteer. I did exactly that and it was the best decision I could have made.  

On my induction day, I was asked to join a Shared Reading group - and I have been a member ever since. I have made some lovely friends in this group and we socialise outside of The Reader. I have holidayed several times with one of these friends.  

I have also made friends with other volunteers. Leaving my long-standing friends in Cornwall, I was worried about making new friends when I moved here So, all in all, it has been a life changing experience for me.  

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR VOLUNTEER ROLE? I love meeting new people and I’m happy to start a conversation with anyone who looks as though they are willing to chat. This is why I enjoy Chatty Café. I will approach someone who is on their own, especially young mums with babies or small children and sometimes I’ve chatted to refugees whose children attend the Our Liverpool educational classes here - often with the help of Google translate! 

If you would like to find out more about The Reader and the volunteering opportunities, we offer please visit here. Volunteers receive full training and ongoing support from The Reader. 

As a charity we rely on the generous support of individuals and organisations to help us change lives through Shared Reading. A donation allows us to train volunteers, provide resources for groups and help reach more people. We want to make sure everyone can attend a Shared Reading group, no matter their background, income or situation, and we'll be so grateful for your help. Make a donation