Boosting children’s literacy in Rochdale
We’re working with over 27 eligible primary schools across Rochdale to help pupils discover a love of reading.
Children’s literacy in Rochdale
Children in Rochdale are facing significant challenges when it comes to literacy, with a large number of pupils falling below the expected reading levels compared to the national average.
Poverty can play a major factor in this, and Rochdale has high levels of child poverty, with a high portion of children qualifying for Free School Meals – a key indicator of economic hardship.
43% of children aged 0 – 15 live in “relative poverty” in Rochdale, compared with a national average of 20%, which can mean many families struggle to provide the resources and support children need to thrive in school.
Become a Bookmark reading volunteer
Are you interested in learning more about volunteering with Bookmark?
Supporting schools and families
We’re working with over 27 primary schools across Rochdale to foster a whole-school love of reading. Schools receive a Your Story Corner pack, which is full of inclusive high-quality books worth roughly £160,000!
With reading levels falling and so many children starting at a disadvantage, it’s more important than ever to step in and provide support.
Volunteer with Bookmark
Helping children improve their reading isn’t just about meeting standards; it’s about giving them the confidence and skills to change their stories for the better. And you can help us reach children across the country who are most in need of support.
Why become a reading volunteer?
We’re looking for one-to-one reading volunteers to read stories and play games with a child aged 5 to 11 who struggles with reading.
As a volunteer, you’ll enjoy fun 30-minute sessions twice a week (online or face-to-face) at times that suit you. You don’t need any specific experience – just a laptop or an iPad. We’ll provide all of the training and resources.
You’ll get to help your young reader grow their skills and confidence over six weeks and watch them discover the joy of reading.
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Flexible commitment
It’s only 30 minutes twice a week for six weeks
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Convenient options
Sessions can be done either online or face-to-face at one of our partner schools
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Fits around you
It’s so flexible! You can volunteer at a time that suits you
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Meaningful impact
You can help a child gain the reading skills and confidence they need to succeed
What can you do?
So many children like Ava are waiting for someone just like you to help them discover the power of reading. Become a reading volunteer and dedicate just 30 minutes twice a week for six weeks, to help a child to grow the confidence they need to succeed in school and beyond.
Testimonials
Bookmark volunteers are making an impact on children who need their support the most.
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I like reading with my volunteer because they can help me have a try and I can get smarter.
Child on the one-to-one reading programme 
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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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The reading things you help us with makes us better at everything.
Child on the one-to-one reading programme 
