Through a growing movement of volunteers and partners, we bring thousands of people together each week to share and discuss great novels, short stories and poems. There's no pressure for group members to read aloud or speak; just listening is perfectly alright. We call this Shared Reading. Our Reader Leaders extend our mission to take Shared Reading to those who need it most. Our aim is to create an atmosphere of inclusivity, where everyone feels truly at home. You don't need to be from a certain walk of life or a literature expert. Anyone who wants to help others is welcome to apply. What you get out of being a volunteer Make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Deepen your personal experience of reading. Empower others to discover the joys of Shared Reading. Be part of a passionate volunteer community. Contribute to building a more connected and inclusive society. Develop valuable interpersonal and facilitation skills. Receive high quality training and ongoing support from The Reader. Build confidence in a nurturing and supportive environment. Take part in vibrant community gatherings and celebratory events. Embark on a journey with an acclaimed, nationally recognised charity
Feb 01, 2026
Full time
Through a growing movement of volunteers and partners, we bring thousands of people together each week to share and discuss great novels, short stories and poems. There's no pressure for group members to read aloud or speak; just listening is perfectly alright. We call this Shared Reading. Our Reader Leaders extend our mission to take Shared Reading to those who need it most. Our aim is to create an atmosphere of inclusivity, where everyone feels truly at home. You don't need to be from a certain walk of life or a literature expert. Anyone who wants to help others is welcome to apply. What you get out of being a volunteer Make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Deepen your personal experience of reading. Empower others to discover the joys of Shared Reading. Be part of a passionate volunteer community. Contribute to building a more connected and inclusive society. Develop valuable interpersonal and facilitation skills. Receive high quality training and ongoing support from The Reader. Build confidence in a nurturing and supportive environment. Take part in vibrant community gatherings and celebratory events. Embark on a journey with an acclaimed, nationally recognised charity
Could you help to change a care experienced child's life by reading with them for just an hour a week over a six month period? We're looking for new volunteers to read online. Reading Heroes is highly individualised with each book chosen specifically for you and the child. All books are provided and you will receive ongoing personal support from our dedicated Reading Heroes team as well as opportunities to meet with other volunteers. With the number of care experienced children in the UK growing and the research telling us that they are more at risk of social, emotional and mental health problems, Reading Heroes is a more important project than ever. As a Reading Heroes volunteer, you'll be instilling a love of stories which can have a life long positive impact. 80% of participants tell us they enjoy reading more after taking part. "Thankyou for helping me read better and for making reading fun and not stupid boring." Reading Heroes participant
Feb 01, 2026
Full time
Could you help to change a care experienced child's life by reading with them for just an hour a week over a six month period? We're looking for new volunteers to read online. Reading Heroes is highly individualised with each book chosen specifically for you and the child. All books are provided and you will receive ongoing personal support from our dedicated Reading Heroes team as well as opportunities to meet with other volunteers. With the number of care experienced children in the UK growing and the research telling us that they are more at risk of social, emotional and mental health problems, Reading Heroes is a more important project than ever. As a Reading Heroes volunteer, you'll be instilling a love of stories which can have a life long positive impact. 80% of participants tell us they enjoy reading more after taking part. "Thankyou for helping me read better and for making reading fun and not stupid boring." Reading Heroes participant
