Karen’s volunteering journey
Continuing our National Volunteers’ Week celebrations earlier this month, we wanted to shine a light on more volunteers who have discovered a new sense of purpose through our One-to-one Reading Programme.
Karen, a Bookmark Volunteer since October 2024, shared her experience with us, talking about what attracted her to Bookmark and what she’s learnt from the programme.
Karen’s story
After retiring from a long career in Human Resources, Karen knew she wanted to give back in a meaningful way. But she didn’t just want to fill time – she wanted to make a difference. That’s where her next chapter began.
“I knew I wanted to support literacy at an earlier stage – to help young people build confidence and skills before they reached adulthood.”
A story that stayed with her
Reflecting on her career, Karen shared a powerful experience that shaped her decision to become a reading volunteer.
She worked with a warehouse employee who suddenly walked off the job after being asked to input some basic information into a computer. She said: “He tearfully admitted that his reading ability was at a child’s level – something he had successfully hidden throughout his working life.”
Having realised that “his reaction stemmed not from defiance, but from deep embarrassment”, Karen supported him in finding adult literacy classes, but the encounter left her with a profound realisation: literacy opens doors, and without it, too many people carry hidden struggles into adulthood.
Yet, this story is not unique. In England, one in six adults have very poor literacy skills. That’s millions of people navigating life with barriers many of us don’t see.
For Karen, this made one thing clear: early intervention is critical.
Discovering Bookmark
“I came across a post from Bookmark on Instagram while on holiday – and I immediately knew it was the right fit.”
For Karen, reading had always been a joyful escape. As a child, she’d get lost in books for hours, letting stories transport her far beyond the everyday. She wanted to share that same experience with a new generation.
“I was drawn to the structure of the programme, the flexibility of sessions, and the safeguarding in place. The stories of other children supported by Bookmark volunteers really moved me.”
Our One-to-one Reading Programme offers flexibility and support – perfect for people reimagining what retirement or a career break can look like. You choose your sessions, receive full training, and join a community of volunteers making a real impact.
A new chapter
Since becoming a reading volunteer, Karen has supported one child – and the impact goes both ways.
“We’ve built a positive rapport. I look forward to hearing about her weekend adventures during our Tuesday morning sessions.”
While literacy is the goal, Karen sees how important it is to meet each child where they are. She’s learned to adapt the sessions to her reader’s energy levels, sometimes swapping stories for a wordsearch or simply listening with curiosity.
“I’ve come to appreciate how much can be achieved in just 30 minutes – and how important it is to be flexible.”
With 1 in 6 adults in England struggling with very poor literacy skills, early intervention is key.
By becoming a reading volunteer, you can help give a child a better start in life.
Reimagine your next chapter
Whether you’re newly retired, taking a career break, or just searching for a way to make a difference, this is your chance to reimagine what’s next – and help a child reimagine what’s possible.
