Volunteer with Children | Reading & Writing Support | Online or in Hackney

We take children on voyages as readers and writers. Volunteer with us to join the adventure!

Looking for a meaningful volunteering opportunity?

Volunteer with Literacy Pirates, a social mobility charity supporting children aged 9–13 who are falling behind in literacy and have fewer opportunities outside school.

By volunteering with us, you will work directly with children in small groups, helping them build confidence in reading and writing and celebrating their achievements along the way.

What will you do?

• Support children during online or in-person after-school sessions
• Encourage reading, writing and participation
• Help create a positive, playful and supportive environment

All sessions are led by staff, so your focus is entirely on supporting the children.

What will you gain?

• Full training and ongoing support
• Experience working with children
• Communication, leadership and problem-solving skills
• Hands on experience with a national literacy charity
• Volunteer discounts, get exclusive savings across popular brands
• An employment reference after completing 12 sessions
• Complete your work placement with us
• Complete you Duke of Edinburgh volunteering hours with us

What is the commitment? 

We ask for just one afternoon a month, with the flexibility to choose the sessions that suit you.

Sessions run every weekday during term-time but please note, we do not run sessions during half terms or the Christmas, Easter and Summer holidays.

Online: 3:45–6:15 p.m.

Hackney: 3:45–6:45 p.m.

Who can apply?

• Aged 16+ 
• UK resident 
• Complete a criminal background check (we cover the cost of this) 
• For online volunteering: access to a laptop or desktop computer with a working webcam and microphone (mobile devices are unsuitable for this role). 

No experience is required to become a volunteer – just a desire to help children develop their reading and writing skills!

Apply via our website and start your training! https://literacypirates.org/volunteer/.

If you have any questions, please email volunteering@literacypirates.org.