Children’s charity calls for volunteers in Liverpool as it celebrates its 50th anniversary

Coram Beanstalk is calling for volunteers across Liverpool to train as reading helpers with the charity and support local primary school children with their reading.

The national children’s reading charity, celebrating its 50^th anniversary this year, is hosting drop-in sessions on Monday 20 March at Liverpool Central Library (11.30am-12.30pm) and The Liverpool Quaker Meeting House (3.30-4pm) for anyone interesting in finding out more about volunteering. 

Coram Beanstalk works in 38 schools across Merseyside, with more than 40 reading helper volunteers, including one who has been a volunteer for over 20 years. The charity currently has eight schools in the area with children still waiting for a reading helper, so is urgently looking to recruit more volunteers.  

Coram Beanstalk volunteers play a vital role in not only boosting children’s reading confidence and attainment but also inspiring a love of reading. For volunteers, one of the most rewarding aspects is the rapport they develop with the children. The one-to-one relationship means that volunteers can really get to know a child and find out which books might spark their interest. Liverpool volunteer Stephen Donoghue said: “At first, I saw four hesitant and unsure children. Now I see blossoming confidence, energy and wonderful smiles. It’s smashing being a Coram Beanstalk Reading Helper.” 

Amy Lewis, Head of Coram Beanstalk, said:

“Our volunteers are the face and heart of Coram Beanstalk, we really value the time they give to the children we exist to help. We love to hear of the fun they have in school and are delighted that 98% of our volunteers would recommend us to a friend. If you’re thinking of joining us, go for it!” 

From application to introduction to a local school, where a match is waiting, the whole recruitment journey for new volunteers is currently averaging 30 days from application to completing training and DBS checks. 

The Coram Beanstalk team will be on hand at the drop-in events on 20 March for anyone interested in volunteering to find out more and ask questions.

For more information about Coram Beanstalk and joining as a volunteer, click here.