About VRH

Volunteer Reading Help (VRH) is a national charity that helps children who struggle with their reading to develop a love of reading and learning. We were established in 1973 by our Founder and President, Susan Belgrave MBE. What we do is simple: we recruit and train reading helpers to work with children aged 6-11 who find reading a challenge and may need extra support and mentoring. Without individual support children can fall behind their peers and lack confidence and self esteem. Many may find it difficult to interact socially with adults. In later years they may drift into offending behaviour. Our trained network of reading helpers support the same children week in, week out, giving each an hour of quality, one to one time. They read, they play, they talk. With the support of VRH their approach to learning and enjoying is often transformed. Their confidence, self esteem and reading standards improve.
 
Our work takes place in schools but outside the classroom. We also work with looked after children, often the most vulnerable children in society. 

The work of VRH benefits our reading helpers too. Some have been out of work for long periods of time and may lack the confidence to seek paid employment. Many find their experience of volunteering helps them to develop their skills and confidence. Many go on to find employment, for example, as classroom assistants. Some are looking to put something back into society following retirement. VRH is an equal opportunities organization -- our reading helpers are all ages and come from a variety of backgrounds but what links them all together is a profound sense of enjoyment in what they do.