Who are Literacy Pirates?
Through our year-long after-school programme, we develop the literacy, confidence and perseverance of children aged 9-13 who are falling behind in class and have fewer opportunities in their personal lives, so that they can succeed at school and beyond.
Children join us in our fantastical, pirate-themed space in Hackney to practise their reading and writing. We also publish their work in the real world so that every Young Pirate finishes the programme a published author, journalist and film star!
What does a Volunteer do?
As a Volunteer Crewmate, your role is to come along to our sessions in Hackney and help children practise their reading and writing in small groups by providing constant encouragement, positivity and celebration of their achievements.
Sessions are led and managed by staff, which means you can dedicate the whole time you’re with us to providing direct support to the children.
We offer:
- Employment references, for volunteers who have fulfilled their commitment of 12 sessions with us.
- Work placements for students
You will:
- Receive full training.
- Gain experience working with children and leading small groups.
- Develop your communication, leadership and problem-solving skills.
- Take part in games and have fun.
- Be invited to celebration events with the children to see the difference that you’ve made.
We ask volunteers to give just four afternoons per school term, although you are welcome to volunteer as frequently as you like!
Sessions run every weekday during term time from 3:45 to 6:45 p.m. and you will have the flexibility to select which sessions you would like to attend. Please note, we do not run sessions during half terms or the Christmas, Easter and Summer holidays.
No experience is required to become a volunteer – just a desire to help children develop their reading and writing skills! Full training is provided.
All we ask is that you:
- Are aged 16+
- Must be a UK resident, and are able to commute to our Hackney ship
- Complete a criminal background check (we cover the cost of this)
Our Hackney ship is located at:
138 Kingsland High Street
London
E8 2NS
Similar Opportunities
At Epilepsy Action, we believe in the power of storytelling to create a supportive community for those affected by epilepsy. We are looking for an inspiring volunteers to share their unique experiences of living with epilepsy.
We put people affected by epilepsy at the heart of everything we do, and we value their input in all of our activities. This is why our Lived Experience volunteers are so important - these are our true epilepsy experts.
Bright Futures UK are looking for warm and energetic volunteer tutors to provide educational support in a range of subjects, from Primary to A-Level, and a fun, safe space for young people living with serious illness.
