1st January 2016

National literacy charity Beanstalk is looking for volunteers who want to help local children as one of their New Year’s resolutions.

By starting the New Year as a Beanstalk reading helper you will provide a child with the gift of reading, having a life-changing impact on their ability, confidence, and self-esteem.

Each Beanstalk reading helper supports three children and sees each child for two 30 minute sessions a week, during term-time, for three terms. With Beanstalk's support the child's approach to learning and enjoying reading is transformed.

Ginny Lunn, Beanstalk CEO said: “The New Year is here and this is an excellent time for people to start a new, exciting, challenge by becoming a Beanstalk reading helper. Our volunteering programme allows you to have a direct impact on changing the life of a child, giving them the skills, confidence and imagination they need to succeed in life. We’d anyone who wants to make a difference in 2016 to contact us directly if they would like to give a child the gift of reading.”

Volunteering as a Beanstalk reading helper is extremely rewarding, makes a lasting difference to children’s lives and is a great way to give something back to your local community. Why not make this your resolution for the year?

To find out more, or to become a Beanstalk reading helper, call Beanstalk on 020 7729 4087 or visit http://www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk/reading-helpers

(ENDS)

Notes to editors:

1. Beanstalk is a national literacy charity that recruits, vets, trains and supports volunteers to work in primary schools with children who have fallen behind with their reading. Its vision is a nation of confident children who can read and grow up to lead successful lives. To find out how to volunteer, visit www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk or call 020 7729 4087.
2. Each Beanstalk reading helper works with three children and sees each child for two 30 minute sessions a week, during term-time, for a whole year. Together, they read, play and talk. With Beanstalk's support the child's approach to learning and enjoying reading is often transformed.
3. Beanstalk works in areas of deprivation across England through 17 Area Offices in the North, Midlands, Greater London and Kent.
4. Beanstalk was founded in 1973 as Volunteer Reading Help by Susan Belgrave MBE, Beanstalk’s President.