Challenge events

Take on a challenge event and support us to help children read, grow and thrive.

Running Tracks Challenge

Virtual Challenge - May 2022 Read more

TCS London Marathon

Running - 2 October 2022 Read more

Challenge 1739

Virtual Event - October 2022 Read more

The Big Half

Running - 4 September 2022 Read more

Hackney Half Marathon

Running - 21 May 2022 Read more

Find an event near you

Find your region and browse for the perfect race… Read more

Latest

Reading is the bedrock of knowledge and that’s why I work as a reading helper at a primary school in Birmingham.

Dr Bharti Parmar couldn't read until she was seven years old. Here she tells us how the reasons for that have shaped her volunteering role with us...
June 2022

In a month when we celebrate The Queen's Platinum Jubilee, our #BeanstalkBrilliant book of the month is by our ambassador, Sir Michael Morpugo, "There Once Is A Queen". Hear from Michael himself and discover more books which can help children learn about the monarchy and understand what all the fuss is about!
As a retired teacher with dyslexia I knew immediately I had to be involved!

One of our recently trained reading helpers talks about why she chose to join our Coram Beanstalk reading community...
Coram Beanstalk publishes Impact Report for 2021-22

After two years of disrupted service in schools, Coram Beanstalk are delighted to publish their latest Impact Report for the year 2021 - 2022. Read stories from across the Coram Beanstalk community of children, schools and volunteers - and see our latest impact statistics.

Become a volunteer reading helper

Ready to take the first step to becoming a reading helper? Check you can meet some practicalities and fill in our application form here.
Frequently asked questions

You may have some questions in your mind before you fill in your application form. Here are answers to our most commonly asked questions. If your question isn't answered here you can find out how to get in touch with our team.
The benefits of being a reading helper

We know from our volunteers that being a reading helper brings purpose and enjoyment into their lives. Find out more about the benefits of being part of our reading community here.
Our approach

Find out more about how we work and our approach to reading support.
Thank you for applying to be a Beanstalk reading helper
Literacy charities join forces

On 1st November 2017 Reading Matters merged with the national children’s literacy charity Beanstalk.
Story Starters training

Our early years programme offers a unique approach to equipping adults in your setting to help children develop all six crucial pre-reading skills plus the communication, concentration and confidence they need to ‘catch the reading bug’. Read more about how our unique programme Story Starters can help you ensure that children start their primary education ready to be taught to read.
Current vacancies

Click here to view our current vacancies.
Volunteer agreement

Find out more about how we will do the best we can to make your volunteer experience with us enjoyable and rewarding.
Our Trustees

Our Board of Trustees hold decades worth of high-level experience which they use to govern Coram Beanstalk and direct our strategy.