We’re delighted to see our wonderful volunteer, Diana, who is 91-years-of-age and our oldest reading volunteer, featured on @bbcnews today! Diana currently helps 5 children a week to discover a love of reading.
“It’s made life worth living. I’ve got some purpose and it’s so rewarding.”
Could you be our next volunteer? #SignUpForBookmark 🧡📚
Click the link in our bio to read the article and sign up.
🗨️ “You’re giving — but you get something back. You can really see the progress.”
For Shaksita, the joy of our One‑to‑one Reading Programme comes from watching her reader grow — in confidence as well as reading ability.
Last year, 86% of teachers told us they saw an improvement in children’s reading skills on the programme. And with just one hour a week, you can help create that progress for a child who needs it most.
📖 Make your story count 👉bookmarkreading/story (link in bio)
#BookmarkReading #MakeYourStoryCount
The Reading Mentor Programme is designed for 14–18 year olds who want to make a genuine impact while building confidence and real-world skills.
Becoming a Reading Mentor is about more than giving time - it’s about witnessing real progress, building confidence, and knowing you’ve played a part in a child’s journey. Those small weekly moments add up to something meaningful, both for the child and for you.
👉 Learn more about becoming a Reading Mentor: /mentors
#BookmarkReading #ReadingMentors
Take on the South Downs Challenge! 🌄
Ready for an unforgettable adventure? Join us on Saturday 27th June for a 30km circular trek through the stunning South Downs National Park – think sweeping coastal views, rolling hills and classic English countryside.
By stepping up, you’ll be supporting Bookmark in helping children across the UK build reading skills and brighter futures.
📍 Eastbourne | 8am–6pm
🎟 £30 registration + £350 fundraising target
👟 Fully supported trek (18+)
Spots are limited – register by the 22th May and make every step count! ➡️ /expedition/4315/
#BookmarkReading #Fundraising #Challenge
Looking for more purpose or structure in your week? 💛
Just 1 hour of volunteering can be a rewarding way to spend your time - helping you stay connected, build routine, and navigate life changes like retirement, career breaks or loss.
Explore 4 powerful benefits of becoming a reading volunteer 👉 /news/make-your-story-count-four-benefits-to-volunteering
#BookmarkReading #MakeYourStoryCount
🗨️'They remind me of why we do the things that we do. It has truly been a pleasure'
After losing her husband, Lisa found that reading with a child helped her reconnect: with routine, with conversation, and with a sense of purpose.
For Lisa, the validation gained through supporting children on our One-to-one Reading Programme helped her navigate her grief and rediscover joy.
Lisa found more than a way to support a child with reading - she found comfort and a renewed sense of self 📚
Discover the joy of sharing your story👉 bookmarkreading/story (link in bio)
#BookmarkReading #MakeYourStoryCount
Nick, one of our volunteers, shares what makes our One‑to‑one Reading Programme so special. For him, it’s the chance to meet young people from across the country.
🗨️ “The different experiences and perspectives they share make you want to come back and meet another generation of young people.”
Each session is a chance to learn as well as to support — building connection, curiosity and understanding on both sides.
📖 Discover a child’s story — and shape your own.
👉bookmarkreading/story (link in bio)
#BookmarkReading #MakeYourStoryCount
How can reading help children build empathy?
To celebrate #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, Imogen Bond from Empathy Lab shares five practical ways adults can encourage empathy in young readers. From choosing the right books to simple ways of talking about characters, these small shifts can make shared reading even richer.
Read the blog for ideas you can use straight away with the children you support.
🔗/news/5-ways-to-encourage-empathy-in-young-readers
#BookmarkReading #MakeYourStoryCount
It’s #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, and this year’s theme is: Action - for yourself, for someone else, for all of us.
@dralexgeorge shares how reading can support your mental health:
“I’m dyslexic, so I struggled with reading when I was younger - but I’ve always loved journaling and being creative. Even if reading isn’t your thing, using your imagination and getting into a creative flow through drawing, music, dance, or whatever you enjoy can do wonders for your mental health.”
This week, take action — in a way that works for you.
Here’s a simple calming exercise from Dr Alex to try:
✨ Draw your favourite hot dessert - maybe a chocolate fudge brownie or a slice of apple pie
✨ Take a deep breath in through your nose, as if you’re smelling it
✨ Gently breathe out through your mouth, like you’re cooling it down
✨ Repeat five times, then drop your shoulders and relax
Now you're calm and ready to get reading!
Ready to give it a try?
#BookmarkReading
Helping readers grow and students thrive 📚
As the National Year of Reading’s official partner for youth volunteering, we're empowering students to make a real difference - while building skills that last a lifetime.
Our Reading Mentor Programme gives students, aged 14-18, the chance to develop leadership, communication and empathy, all while supporting a child at risk of falling behind in reading.
✅ Flexible weekly 30‑minute sessions
✅ Online or in a local primary school
✅ Supports IB CAS & DofE volunteering requirements
✅ Fully safeguarded, with training and ready-to-use resources
Easy to run for schools. Transformational for children and students.
👉 Register your school's interest: bookmarkreading/mentors (link in bio)
#BookmarkReading #ReadingMentors #StudentVolunteering #DofE #NationalYearOfReading
🗨️ “Those half‑hour sessions each week are so valuable for children.”
Jane, a former teacher, knows first-hand how powerful dedicated one‑to‑one reading time can be. That focused moment - just one child, one adult and a story - can make all the difference.
The impact is clear. Last year, 95% of teachers told us they saw an increase in reading enjoyment among children on our programme. And by giving just one hour a week, you can create the time and space a child needs for their love of stories to grow. 📚
📖 Share a story. Change a story.
👉 /story
#BookmarkReading #MakeYourStoryCount
🗨️'It's a great way of doing something for yourself and making a difference at the same time'
Mary and her reader share more than just books. Through regular, consistent conversations, a real relationship forms - one rooted in listening, encouragement and care.
‼️Last year, 96% of teachers told us they saw an increase in reading confidence among children on our programme. And it’s not just the children who benefit - volunteers like Mary gain a sense of connection, purpose and belonging too.
By giving just one hour a week, you can build a relationship that changes a child's confidence - and enriches your own life at the same time. 🌟
Discover more ➡️/story
#BookmarkReading #MakeYourStoryCount
