Okehampton volunteers raise adult literacy concerns during MP's charity visit
Read Easy volunteers have spoken to Central Devon MP Sir Mel Stride about the challenges and opportunities involved in supporting adults who struggle with literacy
A Central Devon MP has visited Read Easy in Okehampton to meet volunteers and hear about the charity’s work supporting adults who struggle with reading.
During the visit to the Ockment Centre, Sir Mel Stride met Richard Clear and Shirley Hooton, who explained how the local group provides free, one-to-one reading coaching for adults.
Read Easy North, East and West Devon is a volunteer-led organisation with five local hubs, including Okehampton.
It pairs adults who want to improve their reading skills with trained volunteer coaches.
Readers typically meet their coach for 30 minutes, twice a week, in a private space within a public venue.
Sessions are confidential and follow a phonics-based programme called Turning Pages, which allows learners to progress at their own pace.
The local group is part of Read Easy UK, which has nearly 100 volunteer-led groups across the country, supporting more than 1,500 adults to learn to read.
The charity estimates that 2.4 million adults in England can barely read or cannot read at all.
Sir Mel Stride, Conservative MP for Central Devon said: “It was great to drop in and see Richard and Shirley at Read Easy in Okehampton. They do such excellent work improving literacy for adults of all ages and walks of life.
“Many adults who struggle with reading find it hard to ask for help. Read Easy offers a free, confidential and friendly way to do that, right here in our community.”
Volunteer Richard Clear said the visit provided an opportunity to discuss the group's work, future plans and operational challenges.
“It was great to speak with Mel today about the work we do, our plans for growth, and the issues we have been facing in our everyday operations,” he said.
“We have established actions for the future and look forward to bringing them into reality with Mel. Watch this space!”
Read Easy relies on volunteers to provide coaching and support its local groups.
Its Okehampton hub is part of a wider network covering North, East and West Devon.