Published date: 03 November 2023
NHSPS Colleagues Volunteer In Reading & Writing Programme for Disadvantaged Children
NHS Property Services (NHSPS) has introduced an exciting volunteering opportunity: supporting children in disadvantaged areas with their reading and writing skills.
Colleagues from across the business are providing one-to-one tutoring through a tailored online course, which is being facilitated by Chapter One; a not-for-profit organisation that strives to transform the lives of underprivileged children aged 5 to 7.
11 colleagues have signed up for the project and 20 sessions have taken place involving 10 colleagues and 10 children. So far, the young programme has been met with immediate shared success and enthusiasm.
Once the course finishes, colleagues will have the opportunity to visit the school in person and meet the child they have been working with. Significantly, this will shine a light on the tangible impact the tutoring has had on the child's life and education.
Quoc Truong, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for NHSPS, said: “We are looking for colleagues to engage in more skills-based volunteering and Chapter One is a great opportunity.”
“The programme encourages our colleagues to use their skills and engage with children to benefit their reading and writing. It is also hugely supporting health inequalities and children from all backgrounds.”
Elizabeth Sweeney, Corporate Social Responsibility Coordinator for NHSPS, added: “The NHS reported that 43% of English adults can’t read well enough to understand basic health information and we know from the DFE that there is a significant reading gap between children from deprived areas compared to their peers.”
She continued: “Chapter One work with schools in severely disadvantaged communities, and their mission is to create a world where all children have the literacy skills they need to thrive, not just in school but in their future lives. We are excited to be a part of their journey and to play a small role in helping these children succeed.”
One of the 11 volunteers, Alex Roberts, Principal Customer Engagement Manager for NHSPS, concluded: “I can honestly say I’m enjoying the experience, and that it’s the highlight of my week.”
