Read Easy Medway

01/09/2026

September’s here, and at Read Easy Medway we’re excited because there’s not long to go until our special event, Celebrating Reading in Medway.
Read Easy Medway is a charity that helps adults learn to read – our coaching is free, one-to-one and confidential.
To celebrate the National Year of Reading, we’ll be sharing our love of reading with a variety of speakers and performers, and talking about the charity’s activities.
Celebrating Reading in Medway is at The Community Hub on MidKent College’s Gillingham campus on Thursday September 24 from 6pm to 8.30pm.
Lily Staunton Howe will talk about the National Literacy Trust’s National Year of Reading campaign.
The Mayor of Medway Douglas Hamandishe, a published author, will be speaking.
Local poets Sam Rapp and Chika Jones and Medway singer-songwriter Ally Round will showcase their work.
There are 2.4 million adults in England who can’t read at all or can barely read. One in six face significant challenges with their reading.
At Read Easy Medway we are passionate about helping local people to change their lives and make a real difference.
Come along and join us! Admission is free, and refreshments will be available. The venue is fully accessible and there’s free parking.
Tickets are limited so please book a place – scan the QR code on the attached poster or go to https://bit.ly/4q7dBWT

29/08/2026

It’s been a sad week with the passing of Dolly Parton, a megastar but also a passionate supporter of literacy since her own father could not read.
In the UK, the Queen has been a heartfelt advocate of the power of reading – and is sending more than 800,000 copies of Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell to every Year Six pupil to mark the National Year of Reading.
Read Easy North and West Wiltshire wrote to her since she lives in the area – and Camilla sent them this lovely letter.
Read Easy Medway is a charity that helps adults learn to read – it’s free, one-to-one and confidential. There are 2.4 million adults in England who can’t read at all or can barely read.
We’re holding a special event, Celebrating Reading in Medway, as part of the National Year of Reading with an exciting line-up of speakers.
It’s at The Community Hub on MidKent College’s Gillingham campus on Thursday September 24 from 6pm to 8.30pm.
Admission is free, and refreshments will be available. The venue is fully accessible and there’s free parking.
Please come along and share our love of reading – you can book a place at https://bit.ly/4q7dBWT
For more information, visit readeasy.org.uk/groups/medway
Do you know someone who wants help with learning to read? Or would you like to become a volunteer? We are looking to recruit more coaches.
Contact [email protected] or call 07469 040215.

16/08/2026

Read Easy Medway is a charity that help adults learn to read – it’s free, one-to-one and confidential.
There are 2.4 million adults in England who can’t read at all or can barely read.
Our Reading Coach Tanya has shared a testimony she received from her reader:
“From the very first lesson we hit it off and laughed and laughed at ourselves.
“All the while I was learning without realising! I am now halfway through Manual 5 and can read on my own. Wow!
“My self-esteem has increased massively. I am now able to text with my friends and family and work colleagues too, which is amazing for me.”
Well done to our reader, and the brilliant Tanya. Our coaches can really make a difference and change people’s lives.
We’re holding a special event showcasing the charity’s activities and supporters – and sharing our love of reading with an exciting line-up of speakers.
Celebrating Reading in Medway is at The Community Hub on MidKent College’s Gillingham campus on Thursday September 24 from 6pm to 8.30pm.
Come along and find out more. Admission is free, and refreshments will be available. The venue is fully accessible and there’s free parking.
Tickets are limited so please scan the code to book a place or visit https://bit.ly/4q7dBWT
For more information, visit readeasy.org.uk/groups/medway
Do you know someone who wants help with learning to read? Or would you like to become a volunteer? We are looking to recruit more coaches.
Contact [email protected] or call 07469 040215.

13/08/2026

Folkestone has a new library, and it's thriving. This is great news for the people of the Kent town, who lost their permanent library in December 2022.
More than 10,000 visits in the first month since the new facility opened. And book lending up by 92 per cent from four years ago.
The Folkestone Library and Community Learning Centre shows how important reading books is to us – even in this digital age.
But there are 2.4 million adults in England who can’t read at all or can barely read. And 1 in 6 face serious challenges with their reading.
Read Easy Medway is a charity run by volunteers who help adults learn to read – it’s free, one-to-one and confidential.
2026 is the National Year of Reading and we’re holding a special event, Celebrating Reading in Medway.
We will be showcasing the charity’s activities and supporters – and sharing our love of reading with an exciting line-up of speakers.
Celebrating Reading in Medway is at The Community Hub on MidKent College’s Gillingham campus on Thursday September 24 from 6pm to 8.30pm.
Admission is free, and refreshments will be available. The venue is fully accessible and there’s free parking.
Tickets are limited so please book a place at https://bit.ly/4q7dBWT
For more information, visit readeasy.org.uk/groups/medway
Do you know someone who wants help with learning to read? Or would you like to become a volunteer? We are looking to recruit more coaches.
Contact [email protected] or call 07469 040215.

13/08/2026

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cz648vlqx2zo
This is great news for the people of Folkestone, who lost their permanent library in December 2022.
More than 10,000 visits in the first month since the new facility opened. And book lending up by 92 per cent.
The Folkestone Library and Community Learning Centre shows how important reading books is to us – even in this digital age.
But there are 2.4 million adults in England who can’t read at all or can barely read. And 1 in 6 face serious challenges with their reading.
Read Easy Medway is a charity run by volunteers who help adults learn to read – it’s free, one-to-one and confidential.
2026 is the National Year of Reading and we’re holding a special event, Celebrating Reading in Medway.
We will be showcasing the charity’s activities and supporters – and sharing our love of reading with an exciting line-up of speakers.
Celebrating Reading in Medway is at The Community Hub on MidKent College’s Gillingham campus on Thursday September 24 from 6pm to 8.30pm.
Admission is free, and refreshments will be available. The venue is fully accessible and there’s free parking.
Tickets are limited so please book a place at https://bit.ly/4q7dBWT
For more information, visit readeasy.org.uk/groups/medway
Do you know someone who wants help with learning to read? Or would you like to become a volunteer? We are looking to recruit more coaches.
Contact [email protected] or call 07469 040215.
Image by Kent County Council

The number of books issued by the library has doubled in four years, Kent County Council says.

09/08/2026

It’s the National Year of Reading, and Read Easy Medway is hosting a special event to share our love of reading.
Read Easy Medway is a voluntary charity that helps adults learn to read – our coaching is free, one-to-one and confidential.
There are 2.4 million adults in England who can’t read at all or can barely read.
Celebrating Reading in Medway will feature authors, poets and musicians.
We will also talk about the charity’s activities and the work of our brilliant volunteers.
It’s at The Community Hub on MidKent College’s Gillingham campus on Thursday September 24 from 6pm to 8.30pm.
Lily Staunton Howe will talk about the National Literacy Trust’s National Year of Reading campaign.
The Mayor of Medway Douglas Hamandishe, a published author, will be speaking while local poets Sam Rapp and Chika Jones and Medway singer-songwriter Ally Round will showcase their work.
Admission is free, and refreshments will be available. The venue is fully accessible and there’s free parking.
Tickets are limited so please scan the QR code to book a place or go to https://bit.ly/4q7dBWT
For more information, visit readeasy.org.uk/groups/medway
Do you know someone who wants help with learning to read? Would you like to become a volunteer with Read Easy Medway? We are looking to recruit more coaches.
Contact [email protected] or call 07469 040215.

05/08/2026

Celebrating Reading in Medway:
It’s the National Year of Reading, and Read Easy Medway is hosting a special event to mark the campaign.
Read Easy Medway is a voluntary charity that helps adults learn to read – our coaching is free, one-to-one and confidential.
There are 2.4 million adults in England who can’t read at all or can barely read.
Celebrating Reading in Medway will feature a range of performers – authors, poets and musicians – as we share our love of reading.
We will also talk about the charity’s activities and the work of our brilliant volunteers, who make a real difference to those who need it most.
It’s at The Community Hub on MidKent College’s Gillingham campus on Thursday September 24 from 6pm to 8.30pm.
The Mayor of Medway Douglas Hamandishe, a published author, will be speaking while local poets Sam Rapp and Chika Jones and Medway singer-songwriter Ally Round will showcase their work.
Lily Staunton Howe will talk about the National Literacy Trust’s National Year of Reading campaign.
At Read Easy Medway we are passionate about helping local people to change their lives, improve their chances and boost their confidence.
Every day we hear wonderful stories about people who can finally experience the joy of reading with their children or grandchildren.
Come and find out more! Admission is free, and refreshments will be available. The venue is fully accessible and there’s free parking.
Tickets are limited so please book a place at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrating-reading-in-medway-tickets-1994712015334?aff=oddtdtcreator

01/08/2026

Read Easy Medway helps adults learn to read – our coaching is free, one-to-one and confidential.
To celebrate the National Year of Reading, we’re holding a special event, Celebrating Reading in Medway.
We will be showcasing the charity’s activities and supporters – and sharing our love of reading with an exciting line-up of speakers.
Celebrating Reading in Medway is at The Community Hub on MidKent College’s Gillingham campus on Thursday September 24 from 6pm to 8.30pm.
We are delighted that Lily Staunton Howe will be giving a talk, representing the National Literacy Trust’s National Year of Reading campaign.
The Mayor of Medway Douglas Hamandishe, a published author, will be speaking and there are performances by local poets Sam Rapp and Chika Jones, and Medway singer-songwriter Ally Round.
There are 2.4 million adults in England who can’t read at all or can barely read. One in six face significant challenges with their reading.
At Read Easy Medway we are passionate about helping local people to change their lives and make a real difference.
The event is free, and refreshments will be available. The venue is fully accessible and there’s free parking.
Tickets are limited so please book a place at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrating-reading-in-medway-tickets-1994712015334?aff=oddtdtcreator

29/07/2026

Read Easy Medway’s Coordinator Sadie (centre) joined forces with Sam Rapp (right) the Dyslexic Poet and librarian Sarah Jenkin (left) – who is also a poet – at Rochester Library on Saturday.
Read Easy Medway is a charity that help adults learn to read – it’s free, one-to-one and confidential.
There are 2.4 million adults in England who can’t read at all or can barely read.
Sadie has been hosting a series of drop-in stalls at libraries across Medway this summer.
She will be at Chatham Library this Saturday, August 1st, from 10am-12 noon.
Sadie was delighted to be joined by the eminent wordsmiths as she spread the word about Read Easy’s life-changing service.
Sam was hosting a creative writing workshop and will be doing another one for adults this Saturday at Cuxton Library from 2.30-3.30pm.
The fun, inclusive workshop will use various methods including storytelling, drawing, writing, poetry, plays, short stories and performance techniques.
And she will be performing her poetry at a special event held by Read Easy Medway on September 24, ‘Celebrating Reading in Medway’.
For more information, visit readeasy.org.uk/groups/medway
Do you know someone who wants help with learning to read? Or would you like to become a volunteer with Read Easy Medway? We are looking to recruit more coaches – and another Coordinator to help Sadie.
With Read Easy Medway you can really make a difference.
Contact [email protected] or call 07469 040215.
Read Easy Medway is supported by the National Lottery.

26/07/2026

At Read Easy Medway we’re so proud of one of our new readers.
Read Easy Medway is a charity run by volunteers who help adults learn to read – it’s free, one-to-one and confidential.
There are 2.4 million adults in England who can’t read at all or can barely read. And 1 in 6 face serious challenges with their reading.
Our Coordinator Sadie – who pairs up coaches with readers and provides ongoing support to these pairs – went to meet a reader who started with her coach this year.
The reader told her: “I’m so excited to tell you that I was confident enough to write in my children’s teacher’s card, to thank them for all that they have done this year.
“I usually speak into my phone and copy the words but I tried myself first.
“I read what my son wrote: ‘Thank you for helping me, I will miss you.’
“I’ve also started reading with my daughter, who is in Year 1. In the past, I have told her that I’ve been too busy to read.”
When you read words like that, it makes everything worthwhile – and our brilliant Coordinator Sadie works tirelessly to support our ‘pairs’.
She told us: “It was a magical moment. This is significant progress, they only began at the start of the year. A few tears were shed by both of us!”
Do you know someone who wants help with learning to read? Or would you like to become a volunteer with Read Easy Medway? We are looking to recruit more coaches – and another Coordinator to help Sadie.
With Read Easy Medway you can really make a difference and change people’s lives.
Contact [email protected] or call 07469 040215.
Visit readeasy.org.uk/groups/medway for more information.
Read Easy Medway is supported by the National Lottery.