This success story is about more than just reading and writing – it is a testament to what can be achieved when local hubs, national charities and kind-hearted neighbours work together to ensure no one is left behind
Mr. B first visited the Prudhoe Employment hub (run by Community Action Northumberland) at the age of 52 following the end of his previous job. He was eager to move forward but faced a significant hurdle in the form of very poor literacy skills and a lifelong suspicion of undiagnosed dyslexia. While he was ready to learn, the obstacles quickly began to mount. Local partners were at full capacity and unable to travel to Prudhoe, while Mr. B was unable to travel out of town for tuition. Furthermore, there was no local provision for basic skills training and Mr. B felt that his current skill level made online learning an impossible task. For a while, it seemed he was stuck in a “provision gap” where he wanted to progress but the necessary support simply wasn’t there.
At the same time, Mrs. C came to us looking for a way to give back. With a professional background in childcare and activities coordination, she had a natural gift for helping others. However, physical disabilities meant she could no longer commit to a traditional full-time role. She was looking for a volunteering opportunity that suited her health needs while keeping her connected to the community. While she was already spending her time recording speaking newsletters locally, she expressed a deep interest in helping adults with specific needs. When she heard about Mr. B’s situation, her response was immediate and selfless: she offered to help him learn to read if no other service was available.
As if by fate, the national charity Read Easy contacted Community Action Northumberland at the exact same time. They were in the process of establishing a new Northumberland branch specifically to recruit and train local volunteers to tackle literacy issues. The timing was perfect, allowing us to register Mrs. C as a volunteer for the project. While she prepares to enter their formal training programme, Read Easy has provided her with specialist resources so she can begin supporting Mr. B on an informal basis.
Today, both Mr. B and Mrs. C are regular faces at the Prudhoe Hub. They meet here consistently so that Mrs. C can help him improve his literacy in a safe, supportive, and familiar environment.