Volunteer Readers on Merseyside

“Asking for the Care Home Reader volunteers was the best thing we’ve ever done!”
Activities Coordinator, Wirral Care Home

The Reader Organisation's Volunteer Reader Scheme, funded by the Big Lottery, is recruiting for volunteers in Liverpool and Wirral for our next training course. Our focus is to provide reading groups for older people living in care homes and sheltered accommodation throughout Merseyside.

Our volunteers currently deliver reading sessions to over 500 older people a week. The reading sessions provide residents with the opportunity to engage with great literature and to share it together.

 “You read this… it touches you and you realise how much you have been longing for it” Care Home Resident

Volunteers receive full training and support for the role and are usually paired together to deliver their reading sessions. Each course has a variety of trainees on it, from lifelong lovers of literature to complete beginners.

“There is more in it and [it was] more enjoyable than I thought it was going to be. I never thought I would have all this confidence that I got out of it.” Volunteer on attending the training

The Volunteer Reader Scheme also gives opportunities to volunteers who are experiencing or are at risk of experiencing mental ill health, isolation or unemployment. We have the flexibility to respond to an individual’s personal circumstances and needs. Don’t worry if you feel a little nervous about getting involved. We understand this is a big step for you and we will support you all the way.

The next training course is taking place on Tuesday mornings from April 29^th to June 3^rd. Attendance at all sessions is required.

We are interviewing for the next course between 24 March and 11 April. Please get in touch with Katie Stevenson if you would like to apply or for more information about the role. katiestevenson@thereader.org.uk

Looking forward to hearing from you!