Adults struggling with reading and writing can now turn to a new group in Brightlngsea for help.
The Brightlingsea Literacy Group has been set up by foodbank volunteer Bob Walsh and local writer and former teacher Helena Nwaokolo, with support from Brightlngsea Library.
Through his work at the foodbank, Bob noticed that many users were having difficulty reading and complete forms for such things as benefit applications. After contacting Helena, who has extensive special eductation needs experience, they decided to start the group
The library has provide a teaching area and teaching materials free of charge – meaning that tuition is also offered free. So far three pupils have been helped by the one-to-one lessons and with plans for another teacher there will soon be vacancies for additional students.
Published statistics suggest that as many as one in six adults in England are functionally illiterate which not only affects everyday tasks such as writing shopping lists or reading a menu, but also inhibits individual growth and development and restricts life opportunities.
The group is holding an open event at the library in New Street on Saturday, October 21 from 10am to noon to explain more about the project.
For further information, contact Bob on 07923 671359 or Helena on 07557 140703.
