Reading Volunteer
Doorstep Library
Bring the magic of reading to families around London. As a Reading Volunteer, you will handpick books and read with families once a week (either on a Monday, Tuesday or Thursday), supporting them in their literacy journey and encouraging a love of books. We offer flexible volunteering opportunities to suit your schedule. Help change a child's story today.
At Doorstep Library, we’re dedicated to bringing the magic of books and the joy of reading directly into the homes of children who need our support. With 1 in 4 children in the UK leaving primary school unable to read or write properly, we recruit and train in-person and online volunteers to introduce children from under-resourced areas to the pleasure of reading. What’s Involved? As a Doorstep Library reading volunteer, you’ll visit the same families at their homes every week with a backpack full of books to share with the children and encourage their love of reading. You will: - Handpick books based on the children’s age, interests, and reading level - Visit their homes with your volunteer partner for 20-minute reading sessions - Leave behind a selection of books for the children to borrow for the week Our unique home-based approach allows our volunteers to build trusting relationships with families, helping them to connect with the community and equip them with the skills they need to succeed later in life. Doorstep Library is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and all those it comes into contact with. All volunteers undergo rigorous safer recruitment processes including specified interview questions, a DBS check, and the collection of written and/or verbal references. Safeguarding training is a mandatory part of the induction process for all volunteers, and they are expected to always adhere to our safeguarding policies and procedures.
Befriending, Buddying & Mentoring,Caring,Community Work,Teaching & Training
Admin, Basic IT skills - internet & email, Organising & Planning, Reading & Writing
Be able to make a regular commitment Be compliant with our safeguarding procedures, complete an Enhanced DBS, Child Barred List check, and provide 2 references Enjoy spending time with children and believe in education for all Have comfortable fluency in English Be non-judgmental and respectful of a variety of lifestyles and children’s learning Have excellent communication skills – be able to listen to families and communicate effectively with Project Leaders (including via text/emails/calls with Doorstep Library staff) Be reliable – always attending a pre-agreed session and giving plenty of notice in advance of absences Be friendly – to build good relationships with families, your volunteer partner and the rest of the team Be confident – to lead the session or mentor a new volunteer Be patient, persistent and flexible – tailoring your approach to each family’s needs
It's incredibly fun! You get to explore your inner child and share your passion for books and reading. You will be a part of the Doorstep Library community of families, volunteers and staff members. You can make a real difference to the lives of others. You'll give back to your local community. You build your confidence and improve your self-esteem. You will develop skills and enhance your C.V.
Time commitment: One evening a week (Regular Volunteer), one evening every other week (Semi-Regular Volunteer) or once every 3 weeks (Stand-In Volunteer) during school term times Hours per week: 2.5 Days: Our projects run on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays depending on where you are based from 4:30pm – 7:00pm
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We have volunteer opportunities in: Hammersmith, Parsons Green, Fulham Broadway, Shepherds Bush, East Acton, Latimer Road, Euston, Kings Cross, Marylebone, Edgware Road, Queens Park, Pimlico, Brixton, Tulse Hill and World’s End (south of Kings Road).
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