Our Coaches
We are very lucky to have many fantastic volunteers who are dedicated to helping others learn to read and write. Our reading Coaches are patient, reliable and discreet. All receive initial training and on-going support. Anyone who can read may apply to be a Volunteer Reading Coach. The free one-day training session is generally held on a Saturday and no prior teaching experience is necessary. This is an opportunity for prospective coaches to get to know each other, to discuss some of the issues surrounding adult learning and to gain an overview of the Turning Pages programme.
Once the training is completed, there may sometimes be a delay before getting started as we try to pair Coaches with a learner who lives not too far away. We have a range of places across the Forest where Learners and Coaches can meet so that they can choose a venue which suits them both.
From time to time, Coaches are invited to extension training sessions where they are able to share their successes, challenges and ideas in a friendly, informal atmosphere. Various activities are included to support their reading coach skills and they can catch up with FRED’s latest developments and projects, such as introducing online coaching and support.
Click the links to open the Reading Coach Role Description, a copy of the Volunteer Agreement and Advice for FRED Reading Coaches. If you are interested in volunteering with FRED then contact us for an application form.
What our reading Coaches say about being a FRED volunteer
Making a relationship with your learner is rewarding for you both
I have been very happy with my volunteering experience – I have an interested learner and a great venue
I have found it very satisfying working out ways to encourage a learner to look at things in different ways. I feel that I have benefited as much from the process as my learner
I have gained great satisfaction from seeing my learner blossom
One of the best things about my volunteering experience is the feeling that I have helped my learner with her self-confidence, not just her reading skills
Being able to read is a vital life skill, yet so many people still need help as adults
Helping someone learn to read has been a very rewarding and worthwhile experience for both of us
Its great watching a learner gain in confidence and feel able to take on new challenges in their everyday lives
I’ve enjoyed building a relationship with my learner and seeing them progress through the Turning Pages reading scheme
If you are patient, have a sense of humour and enjoy helping others, then you will enjoy being a reading coach
It’s very satisfying when you get positive feedback from your learner and they say what a difference FRED has made to their lives
Volunteering with FRED has been a very worthwhile experience and given me a chance to make a difference to someone’s life