Make your story count
Become a reading volunteer and help children in disadvantaged communities build confidence, improve their reading skills and discover a love of stories.
Just one hour of one-to-one reading a week- online or in a local school – can change a child’s life.
About the volunteer role
As a Bookmark reading volunteer, you’ll spend 30 minutes, twice a week, reading one‑to‑one with a child who needs extra support. Using our library of engaging books, games and activities, you’ll help them build their reading skills and, just as importantly, their confidence and enjoyment of reading.
What does a reading volunteer do?
- Deliver two 30‑minute reading sessions each week, with the same child, at times that suit you.
- Volunteer online from home using our secure, easy‑to‑use platform, or in person at a local partner school
- Read stories and play literacy‑focused games designed to support progress and build enthusiasm
- Encourage, listen and celebrate each small step forward
You don’t need teaching experience. We provide clear training, ready‑to‑use resources and ongoing support, so you’ll feel confident and well‑prepared from your very first session.
Find out how to register as a volunteer
Why volunteer with Bookmark?
Through our flexible volunteer reading programme you can make a real and lasting difference to a child, through session times that fit around your schedule.
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Support children who need one‑to‑one reading help
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Choose flexible volunteering that fits your life
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Boost a child’s confidence through reading
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Join a supportive volunteer community
What volunteers say
We take pride in offering a volunteer role that is impactful, enjoyable and accessible.
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Even if one child is influenced to think “books are for me” or “I can do this” or “I do want to go to university and study English” – what an incredible difference to have made just by virtue of spending two half-hours a week with them.
Claire, Volunteer 
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My reader really struggled at first with even simple words but he has improved steadily, giving me a real sense of achievement. I can really see the improvement he is making...
Volunteer 
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[My reader's] confidence and enthusiasm, and his ability to really engage and talk about what he was reading [had] grown enormously.
Volunteer 
