Read Easy West Berkshire

West Berkshire Group clocks up another successful year, helping local adults learn to read!

You may be surprised to hear that over 7% of adults across the UK either cannot read or have very poor reading ability.

There are a multitude of reasons why some people reach adulthood without being able to read but in every case the impact on individuals and their families should not be underestimated.

At Read Easy West Berkshire we work to tackle this issue by offering free reading courses.

These courses are confidential and are delivered one-to-one by dedicated and trained Reading Coaches; all coaching takes place in a private space within a public place so that people feel encouraged to come forward and ask for help.

Read Easy West Berkshire’s Team Leader Elaine Brichard explains,

“Our reading coaches are  approachable and empathetic.

Our readers progress at their own pace, so there is no pressure to meet goals within a specific time frame.

We’re here to help them see the benefits of improving their reading ability, and not to feel ashamed or embarrassed about it.

One of our readers was recently awarded the Terry Stares Award by the West Berkshire

Community Learning Team! Dhana received the award for her reading progress after studying with her Read Easy coach.

She says, “I covered it up and nobody knew I had this reading problem.

At first it was quite intimidating doing the course, but then I thought it doesn’t matter who knows, I’m here for me!”.

She felt the one-to-one approach was essential to her success and thought her coach Jessica was very patient, inspirational and compassionate.

Previously she felt she was a “quitter” but is now Dhana’s confidence has really improved, and she’s thrilled that she can now read stories to her grandchildren.

As a group staffed completely by volunteers, we very fortunately receive the generous support of local organisations and businesses for publicity, training costs and to purchase the required course materials for our readers.

One of the group’s coordinators says, “It’s key that the face-toface coaching sessions are delivered locally, making it as easy as possible for both the coach and the reader to attend.

That way we maximize the chance of successful course completion.”

Currently the group is delivering courses to 12 reading students and the number of readers has been growing steadily.

Our aim is to continue growing course delivery in 2026.

For more information about learning to read or volunteer with Read Easy West Berkshire, please contact Elaine Brichard on 07935 515393 or email swbleader@readeasy.org.uk.