Jay Blades, the beloved host of The Repair Shop, has brought warmth and craftsmanship into our homes. But behind his easy smile and skilled hands, he held a secret – until recently, he struggled to read. His personal journey of learning to read at age 51, documented in a moving BBC special, shone a spotlight on a hidden issue: adult reading difficulties. It’s easy to assume that basic reading skills are something everyone has, but for many adults, the written word remains a frustrating puzzle. Right here in North Somerset, there are people like Jay, longing to make sense of the written word.

Thankfully, there’s an organisation dedicated to making that dream a reality: Read Easy North Somerset. Inspired by Jay Blades’ courage, they understand that reading isn’t just a childhood milestone; it’s a lifelong tool for empowerment. With compassion and patience, their trained volunteer coaches offer free, one-on-one reading support. They break down the barriers, word by word, transforming lives across our community.

Understanding Adult Reading Difficulties

Difficulty reading remains a significant and complex challenge, even in developed nations, with far-reaching consequences for individuals and society. This table explores the various factors that contribute to the lack of basic reading and writing skills, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the issue. By understanding these challenges, we can all work together to create a more inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Challenges of Reading Difficulties

Difficulty reading poses a wide range of challenges that go far beyond simple reading and writing difficulties.  Here’s a breakdown:

1 Practical Obstacles

Everyday Tasks: Struggling to read signs, instructions, product labels, maps, forms, timetables, and menus creates constant hurdles and frustrations.

Financial Difficulties: Managing bills, understanding contracts, and financial planning becomes extremely difficult, leading to potential financial mismanagement and vulnerability.

Health and Safety: The inability to read medicine instructions, warning signs, or health information can have serious consequences for well-being.

Access to Information: Reading news, websites, or books is a struggle, limiting one’s ability to stay informed, learn, and engage with the world.

2 Employment Struggles

Limited Job Opportunities: Many jobs require at least basic literacy, which prevents those who struggle with reading and writing from accessing numerous career possibilities.

Workplace Challenges: Difficulty reading emails, safety guidelines, work instructions, or training materials hinders job performance and advancement.

Career Stagnation: Reading difficulties can severely limit promotions and earning potential, creating an economic barrier.

3 Social and Emotional Impact

Embarrassment and isolation: Hiding their difficulties often leads to social withdrawal and feelings of shame, limiting interaction and support-seeking.

Damaged Self-Esteem: Repeated struggles with reading erode self-confidence, and many internalise a belief that they are less intelligent or capable.

Mental Health: Reading difficulties can contribute to anxiety, depression, and a sense of hopelessness.

Intergenerational Impact: Parents who struggle with reading may find it challenging to help their children with schoolwork. This can perpetuate a cycle of low literacy within families.

The Read Easy North Somerset website has some wonderful success stories on – check them out here.

I appreciate that adults unable to read may have had difficult school experiences and feel daunted by the prospect of engaging with the programme, but learning to read with Read Easy North Somerset really is a different experience.

Learners will be offered a relaxed, pressure-free environment where they can discover the world of reading at their own pace. The friendly coaches understand that everyone learns differently, and they’ll work one-on-one, offering tailored support and encouragement. There’s no judgment, only a shared desire to help people grow as readers.  It’s a safe space to make mistakes, ask questions, and celebrate each little victory along the way.

Reaching those who have struggled with reading for their whole lives presents a unique challenge. Here’s a breakdown of ideas to increase interest and sign-ups for Read Easy North Somerset, split into different categories for easy implementation:

1. Outreach and Visibility

Local partnerships: Do you work in a space that could promote Read Easy North Somerset? For example, a community centre, a sports centre, a supermarket, a job centre, a doctor’s surgery, an adult education programme.  North Somerset Libraries provide many spaces for reading pairs to meet, and librarians are very helpful in promoting Read Easy. 

Social media: Could you actively promote Read Easy North Somerset on relevant platforms where locals gather, highlighting success stories and testimonials?

Local Media: Do you have any contacts in the press who would cover the scheme and its positive impact?

2. Emphasising Benefits and Reducing Stigma

Messaging Focus: If you know someone who wants to improve their reading and writing skills, encourage them! Learning could boost their confidence, open up new job opportunities, and help them feel more connected to the world around them.

Confidential and Supportive: Can you emphasise the private, non-judgmental, and patient nature of the scheme and remind them that coaching is 1-1 with no classrooms, no exams, and no pressure?

Success Stories: Can you share real, relatable stories of adults who have benefited from the scheme? This will empower others to take that step. There are lots of success stories on the website or you could show them the Jay Blades video.

3. Ease of Access

Clarity: Can you explain the process:

Reading sessions are held twice a week, for just half an hour at a time. Learning little and often generally works best. As they will work at their own pace, coaching can continue for as long as it takes to work through the five manuals. Some people may work through these in a year, while others may take longer.

Read Easy uses the five Turning Pages manuals (published by Shannon Trust), which have been designed specially to help adults with their reading. The manuals start at the beginning to ensure all the foundations you need for success. The Turning Pages manuals also have associated reading books especially written for adults so that enjoying reading real stories can happen soon, too.

Flexible Locations: Can you reassure them that there are a range of venues and that they and their coach can choose somewhere that suits them both? These places will be quiet and discreet so that you can work together without being overlooked, but where there will always be other people around on the premises.

Times to Suit Lives: Can you explain that evening and weekend sessions can be arranged for those with work commitments?

Testimonials: Can you tell them about other adults who were hesitant at first, demonstrating that others had similar worries which were overcome.

You’re Not Alone: Common Worries and How Read Easy Helps

“I thought I was the only one who struggled with reading, but I found a whole community at Read Easy.”

“I wasn’t sure if I could learn at my age, but my coach was patient and encouraging every step of the way.”

“I worried about what others would think, but my Read Easy sessions were private and supportive.”

“I was afraid people would think I wasn’t smart, but my Read Easy coach never judged me, only helped me.”

“Read Easy is a place where everyone is working on their reading, so I never felt like the odd one out.”

“I didn’t think I could change, but with my coach’s help, I’m surprised by what I can do now.”

“Taking that first step was scary, but now I’m so glad I did. Learning to read has opened new doors for me.”

“I had bad experiences in school, but with Read Easy, it’s different. I learn at my own pace, and my coach celebrates my progress.”

Words have the power to change lives. Don’t let reading difficulties hold anyone back – not yourself, not a friend, not a loved one.  Share this information, reach out to Read Easy North Somerset, and help spread the gift of literacy throughout our community. Unlock new possibilities and empower someone to reach their full potential. It starts with you!

Contact Diane on 07838276659 or send an email expressing an interest to northsomerset@readeasy.org.uk

If you would like to volunteer with Read Easy North Somerset, there are many roles which you can read about here.