For many people, reading is part of everyday life – when working, shopping, travelling, communicating or enjoying a good book.
Yet one in six (18pc) of adults aged 16 to 65 in England have "very poor" literacy skills. That means there are more than six million people for whom reading remains a challenge.
That is where Read Easy Norfolk steps in.
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The local charity was set up in 2022 to offer free, confidential one-to-one reading coaching for adults and is part of a national network called Read Easy UK.
Its trained volunteer reading coaches meet learners twice a week for 30-minute sessions in locations such as libraries, community centres and cafes.
The group currently offers face-to-face coaching in Norwich and can also support some learners online.
At the heart of its work is the idea that it is never too late to learn to read.
Esther Marshall, team leader of Read Easy Norfolk, believes adult literacy deserves far more attention within discussions about reading and education.
"Adult literacy is often overlooked because it is a hidden problem," she said. "Supporting adult literacy opens doors to work, wellbeing, and independence and is one of the most powerful ways to improve outcomes for the next generation."
Many people who struggle with reading develop ways of masking their difficulties, sometimes for years.
Some pretend they have forgotten their glasses. Others explain away challenges by claiming they are not comfortable with technology. Many develop excellent memories or create personal systems to record information and manage daily tasks.
That means literacy difficulties are not always obvious.
The charity uses the Turning Pages programme, which was developed by the Shannon Trust to support peer-to-peer learning in prisons.
The phonics-based programme is designed to be neuro-inclusive and has helped thousands of people learn to read since its launch in 2015.
Read Easy Norfolk delivers that programme through a one-to-one coaching model, something Esther said is particularly important for adults who may have had negative experiences during their school years.
Many learners would not feel comfortable joining a group programme. Individual coaching allows them to progress at a pace that suits them, while working towards personal reading goals.
Reading coaches can also tailor support around learners' interests, helping to make reading relevant and enjoyable.
The impact can be profound.
"Learning to read as an adult is transformative," Esther said. "One of the joys of volunteering for Read Easy Norfolk is to see our readers becoming more confident as they progress through the programme.
"We have seen that learning to read with us has changed people’s lives, allowing them to apply for a new job, learn to drive, and read books to their children."
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The benefits extend beyond individual learners. Research and experience suggest that when adults improve their literacy, families benefit too.
Esther noted that children whose parents find reading difficult are less likely to experience bedtime stories, receive help with homework, or develop positive attitudes towards school.
Programmes that encourage families to share books from an early age can help build literacy habits across generations.
Esther believes reducing stigma is one of the biggest challenges.
"People will readily admit that they are not good at maths, but there is a stigma associated with not being able to read," she said.
Esther emphasised that reading can change lives at any age. And for adults who have spent years hiding their struggles, turning the page can be the start of a new chapter.
"We hope that campaigns such as the National Year of Reading and Born and Read in Norfolk, as well as local initiatives, will help to break down these barriers over time and enable people to come forward and receive the support that they need to live a productive and fulfilling life."
For more information, visit readeasy.org.uk or call Clare on 07488 812198.
This article has been published as part of Born & Read in Norfolk – a year-long initiative highlighting the importance of reading and writing, delivered in partnership with the National Centre for Writing, headline sponsor RWE and sponsor YouGarden.
Follow the campaign throughout the year in our coverage and on social media using #BornAndRead2026 or get in touch at readingmatters@newsquest.co.uk
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