Read Easy, a Stevenage and North Herts voluntary group that helps adults learn to read, has celebrated its first 'graduation'.
Bradley Kelly, who joined the programme in April 2023, graduated earlier this month and was able to celebrate alongside his one-to-one reading coach, Ann Dooley.
Ann said: “It can take someone two years to learn how to read, so this shows what a great achievement this is for Bradley”.
Bradley was presented with his award in a ceremony at The Settlement in Letchworth earlier this month, with Cllr Dan Allen, chair of North Herts Council, presenting him with a certificate.
Bradley's confidence has increased since learning to read - he has joined his local library and is enjoying being able to read to his young brother.
Read Easy set up their Stevenage and North Herts group in June 2022, and have since brought 14 voluntary reading coaches on board.
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They provide confidential one-to-one support for adults learning to read in Stevenage, Hitchin, Letchworth and the surrounding areas.
Teresa Baker, team leader at Read Easy, told The Comet that they have people waiting for coaches to be trained, with seven referrals received since January.
She also thanked their supporters in Stevenage and North Herts, and paid a special tribute to the Letchworth Settlement for providing rooms free-of-charge for their coaching session and team meetings.
Nick Skinner, manager of the Letchworth Settlement, added that he was pleased to be supporting Read Easy as the group’s purpose, to educate adults, aligned with the original aims of the Settlement when it was set up a hundred years ago.
If you know anyone who Read Easy may be able to help, you can get in contact with Sara at sgnhnetworker@readeasy.org.uk.
If you would like to volunteer to become a coach or a member of Read Easy's management team, you can email Angie at sgnhrecruiter@readeasy.org.uk.
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