CORAM Beanstalk, a national children’s charity with over 50 years’ experience of supporting children to become confident, independent readers, is looking for volunteers in Southport.

At Coram Beanstalk, they believe that every child has potential. But for many, limited 1-to-1 support, a lack of books that reflect their interests and a home without reading advocates can make learning to read feel like building a Lego castle without the instructions.

They train and support community volunteers to give children something powerful - time, connection and joy - a shared love of books and the opportunity to dream. By spending time each week, building relationships that go far beyond the pages of a book, the reading helpers follow the child’s pace, share laughter, listen deeply, and create a space where children choose to read and build essential skills for a brighter future.

Coram Beanstalk´s volunteers find purpose and community in helping children grow in confidence and ability. And they’re never doing it alone – with the expert training, ongoing support, and a strong community behind them, they feel equipped and valued from day 1.

All the partner schools receive a starter pack of Beanstalk Brilliant Books so volunteers can introduce children to a wide variety of engaging resources and help each child to find and explore their own identity as a reader.

They believe every child deserves the magic of books and the opportunity of a bright future but they need volunteers to join them in order to reach those children.

Amy Lewis, Head of Coram Beanstalk:- “Reading is such a fundamental skill for children to develop during their early years, but children who find it a struggle and don’t have an adult to read with on a regular basis can start to fall behind their peers, which can lead to a loss of confidence and reading enjoyment. Evidence shows, that when children not only can read but choose to read, they not only achieve more academically across the whole curriculum, but they also benefit from improved well-being and go on to experience greater success in life. And that’s where Coram Beanstalk reading helpers can really make a difference. We need to fill vacancies in settings locally, especially in the PR8 and PR9 postcode areas of Southport and we can only reach more children by recruiting new reading helpers. Each volunteer will receive training and will support on average 3 children for 20-30 minutes, at least once a week. It really is such a fulfilling and meaningful volunteering role which transforms lives, so please get in touch today if you think you can help.”

Quote from 1 of Coram Beanstalk´s reading helpers:- “I had no idea how much it would come to mean to me, literally the best thing I have ever done (after a long career with various 'good causes'). I think the children are truly amazing and I look forward to seeing them each week. It’s always such a joy to see them grow in confidence and discover that books can be fun and enjoyable!”

If you would be interested in becoming a reading helper in a local school, please visit their website for more information or call them on:- 020 7729 4087.