Reading Volunteer in London - 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.

About the Organisation

Doorstep Library

What you will be doing

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.
 

What's in it for you?

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 build your confidence and improve your self-esteem. You will develop skills and enhance your C.V.

 

What skills will you need?

Activities
Administration,Advice, Information & Support,Befriending, Buddying & Mentoring,Caring,Teaching & Training,General & Helping
 
Skills & Attributes
Basic IT skills - internet & email, Reading & Writing, Communication Skills, Listening Skills
 
Skills Description
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 confident using technology – for connecting with families viz Zoom and completing records Be organised – be able to multi-task in a multi-faceted role comprising of much more than solely reading to children 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.

What's the time commitment and where? 

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.

 

Location: 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).

 

How can I apply?

Please complete the form below and we will put you in contact with the organisation.   It’s helpful if you can tell us a little about yourself and why you’re interested in this role in the message box below. 

By completing this form you agree for us to pass on your contact details to the organisation.

 

 

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