Volunteer With Us
What You Will Do As A Reading Volunteer?
- Visit families and children either at their homes or online
- Handpick books and read stories with families and children
- Work with a volunteer partner every time you volunteer
Whether in person or online, our volunteers are also there to give extra support to families. Whether they’re passing on information about local activities, lending a listening ear, or even just being a friendly face every week. Our sessions not only help to improve a child’s literacy skills they also increase family well-being and bonding through the joy of sharing stories.
Why Should You Volunteer With Us?
- It’s incredibly fun! You get to share your passion for books and reading
- You will be a part of the Doorstep Library community of volunteers, families and staff members
- You can make a real difference to the lives of others
- You can give back to the community you live in or the community you visit every week
- You can build your confidence and improve your self-esteem
- You will develop skills and enhance your C.V
What To Expect From Us
- You will be trained in all aspects of the Reading Volunteer role so that you feel confident before starting sessions with families
- You will receive regular contact from the Doorstep Library team, so that you are fully supported throughout your volunteer journey, especially during your trial period
- You will receive additional training opportunities to develop your skills
- We will celebrate and recognise your time volunteering with us
What We Expect From You
- For regular volunteers, we ask you to make a regular weekly commitment during school term time for at least 9 months
- For stand-in volunteers, we ask that you volunteer for a minimum of 12 sessions on average across the academic year
- Be enthusiastic and friendly so that you can build good relationships with families, your volunteer partner and the rest of the Doorstep Library staff team
- To complete our video modules and training sessions alongside taking part in our annual safeguarding refresher training
- Comfortable fluency in English
Doorstep Library is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and all those it comes into contact with. All volunteers undergo rigorous safer recruitment processes including specified interview questions, a DBS check, and the collection of written and/or verbal references. Safeguarding training is a mandatory part of the induction process for all volunteers, and they are expected to always adhere to our safeguarding policies and procedures.
