Become a reading volunteer and change a child’s story
Help a child learn to read so that they can succeed, in school and beyond. At Bookmark Reading Charity, we're dedicated to igniting the joy of reading in children. We offer both online and in-person literacy volunteer opportunities near you.
IGNITE THE JOY OF READING IN A CHILD
You'll spend two thirty-minute sessions a week reading stories and playing games with a child aged between 5 and 10 years old, on our secure online platform. The programme involves two 30-minute sessions a week with the same child, for six weeks.
The best part? Our online volunteering can fit around your schedule seamlessly and there's no need to travel.
We ask all our volunteers to complete at least three programmes a year - and we'd love you to do more - so we can continue to support as many children as possible.
HELP THEM SHAPE A BETTER FUTURE
You'll get to see your young reader progress, knowing that you are opening a world of opportunity for their future.
Reading schemes for schools
Joining Bookmark to volunteer reading in schools enables you to become a vital force for change in primary school children. Our volunteer-led reading programmes in schools are at the heart of our mission to foster essential literacy skills and motivate young minds to enjoy reading. Join us today and play a crucial role in shaping a brighter future for a child through literacy.
How does our online volunteering work?
Once you’ve applied, we will provide you with training and support you through our Safer Recruitment process.
You simply select the programme timing which works the best for you, and conveniently book it through our online Literacy Volunteer Hub.
You’ll then log on to each session through your PC, laptop, MacBook or Chromebook, requiring both a webcam and an internet connection. Please note that iPads, tablets and phones are not currently compatible. (Don’t worry, you definitely don’t need to be a tech whizz to volunteer, you just need to be comfortable using our online reading platform.)
You can volunteer in person
We do also offer face-to-face opportunities where you can read with a child at a primary school that’s local to you, depending on availability. We’re looking for people who could support a minimum of two children a week, across 12 weeks.
If you’re interested in volunteering on a face-to-face reading programme, you can find a full list of areas with school availability here. This list will be updated throughout the year as new schools join Bookmark.
Want to find out more?
Come along to an open session. We’ll talk through the benefits, process of joining, and provide more detail on the reading programme. The session will be delivered on Microsoft Teams.
Don't forget to book your leave in People XD as 'Charity Day'. You can do less than a day by toggling 'Part Day' and 'Choose a Time' and inputting the minutes you spent doing your activity.