Helping adults learn to read Advanced prep: Edit/add local detail/updates to slides – see notes. Save a copy of your localised version. Check the notes Time your presentation Check that you have detailed information and publicity to leave with audience Points to make Welcome/thanks Helping adults learn to read

Read Easy UK is a registered charity, established to help adults learn to read currently has 21 affiliated groups offering 1:1 reading support from trained volunteer coaches provides the structure, resources, training and on-going support for each local group. Advanced prep: Check figs are up to date

(Skills for Life Survey, 2011) 5 million adults in England and Wales have reading or writing skills below that expected of the average 11 year old (Skills for Life Survey, 2011) “References to reading ages: Ensure the audience is aware these are quotes from Government surveys and used only to give a broad understanding of adult literacy levels in the UK. Reading ages are not used to describe the reading skills of individual adults.  See ‘Guide to Read Easy Networking PowerPoints’ for further information.” Advanced prep (optional) Add slide with local figures

Poor reading skills are associated with poverty homelessness crime low self-esteem low confidence isolation and depression poor physical and mental health Adults who struggle to read Are 5 times more likely to be unemployed and 4 times more likely to experience long-term unemployment Develop coping strategies, but are unlikely to reach their potential Struggle to help their children with learning Are less likely to vote, or take part in public and community life Points to make: Focus on particular concerns of audience

What is Read Easy doing about this? Your local group is run with support from Read Easy UK: Confidential, 1-1 tuition Trained reading coaches Half hour sessions twice a week Approved local venues Friendly, flexible and free Readers are referred by partners such as JobCentre Plus, Children’s Centres, CAB…or themselves Points to make: Read Easy works one to one with “Readers” who come with very low reading skills Attendance is entirely voluntary Trained volunteer coaches help readers develop their skills to a point where they will be able manage day to day activities and cope in an adult education or college class. Many then go on to an adult learning class

Why Read Easy is needed Very isolating – people usually hide their problems and won’t join a class Few classes can provide 1:1 support and classes have been cut because of funding Read Easy helps adults read sufficiently well to cope with everyday tasks and to feel confident to progress to further learning. No criticism of adult education and other training providers – can alienate audience

Read Easy Life Impact Wheel Points to make Focus on aspects most relevant to audience

You could make all the difference! Spread the word! People are nervous of seeking help, and they certainly won’t read publicity about Read Easy. Help people to realise they are not alone and can learn to read. Readers need support to find us! Got access to some premises? Offer a safe place for Readers to meet their Read Easy coach Got some time? Become a coach or join our management committee Into fundraising? Hold an event to raise money for your local group…. Have fun and get fit with sponsored sports, or bake and sell cake at a coffee morning or in your book-club Access to cash? Make a donation. Just £120 covers the cost of teaching one adult to read. Advanced prep: Edit/add local detail/updates to slides Focus on what you want from the particular audience

Questions? Limit time for questions/limit the number Offer to deal with additional questions outside the meeting

What next? Advanced prep: Add to this slide to offer what you can do next next. E.g. Follow up visit by Read Easy to take forward any joint plans/work RE briefing on making sensitive referrals. (Presentation pack available) Read Easy events

Contact learn to read Helping adults {Name of group} To find out more: Read Easy {Chair} {name/email/phone number} To refer a reader: Read Easy Coordinator National readeasy.org.uk Further details are on the Read Easy publicity circulated today Helping adults learn to read Advanced prep: Add local contact details Take local publicity material for audience, their clients and to display.