Peterborough reading charity encourages adults to pick up skill

Ann Thomas (right), with her reading coach Lynda, said she would not tell anyone she could not read

A woman who first learnt to read in her 60s says she is having "a good time in her life" thanks to the help of an educational charity.

Read Easy, in Peterborough, coaches adults to improve their reading skills.

There are 2.4 million adults in England who can barely read or cannot read at all.

The charity said this could be due to factors such as missed education or a learning disorder, but many adults "hide it well".

Team leader Liz Damazer said there were many adults in the area who are affected.

'Hiding it'

She added that people who had moved to the area from other countries had been more open to learning how to read and write, but those who grew up in England had difficulty asking for help.

"It is nothing to be ashamed of but some adults can be embarrassed and are good at hiding it," she said.

"The problem is you can't fill out an application form, text, or read shop signs, things many readers take for granted.

"We are a free service teaching people how to read, it doesn't happen overnight and may seem impossible at the time, but we adjust our coaching based on each person.

"Learning to read changes lives."

Read Easy's Liz Damazer says learning to read helps "people go on to get jobs, academic qualifications, or even just the chance to read to their children and grandchildren."

An adult reading journey typically takes two years as a minimum, but it can vary.

Ann Thomas learnt how to read in just over a year.

She said: "I was very young when I first knew I couldn't read. I used to tell teachers that I couldn't, but they took no notice and didn't understand because I could speak well, and my vocabulary was good.

"I wouldn't tell anyone, not even my friends, and I couldn't get the job I wanted. I just did what I had to so I could get on in life.

"If it wasn't for her Read Easy, I don't know where I would be today."

Her advice would be to "always ask for help wherever you can" as she is now having "a good time in her life, being able to pick up a book and read it".

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A Department for Education spokesperson said: "We have a world-class education system where primary children are the 'best in the west' at reading, according to the recent PIRLS international rankings.

"We also offer a range of basic literacy skills courses to help more adults unlock their potential, including full-funded courses for anyone without a Level 2 English qualification."