Volunteer with us
LTR is volunteer run, we are very proud of our team of volunteers and always looking to expand that team to include more voices, ideas and more.
Volunteer Application Form
Volunteer Success Stories
When my husband Bob died after a long illness nearly 8 years ago, I was at a loss as to what to do next. Every day had been a timetable of 4 care visits, 3 hourly meds and regular visits from district nurses, Physios, Occupational Therapists and Dieticians. And then that all stopped. I was in my late 60s, still of relatively sound mind and body but had no idea what to do with all this time I suddenly had. Be careful what you wish for!
On a trip to Ipswich Library, I picked up a leaflet. Lets Talk Reading were recruiting volunteers to visit nurseries and playgroups and share stories with the children. I'd spent the end of my working life at a local secondary school as a Learning Support Assistant which included helping with after-school reading clubs. Bob and I had raised 3 children and I was now involved with 2 active grandsons, and most important of all, I'd always loved books. So I applied, had an interview (which was really more of a very friendly chat) and went along to observe my first storytime. As well as reading stories, volunteers also brought a selection of library books to share at the end so I was soon sitting on the floor reading to an audience of 3 and 4 year olds.
I've loved re-discovering my inner child and being silly with voices, hats and props but none of this is compulsory. I'd say to those considering the role, do what you feel comfortable doing but do be willing to share your love of reading. If you wake up in the morning feeling a bit down and it all looks a bit grey, there's nothing like spending time with very excited and enthusiastic small children sharing the wonderful, colourful books that are out there. And the festive season is just magic as we pack and distribute new books for all the children in the nearly 40 settings we support across Ipswich, and get re-fuelled with mince pies as we pack!
Volunteer Success Stories
I am not a native Suffolk lass! But came down South/east in early 2023 to receive rehabilitation for an eating disorder, which I’ve required intensive treatment for many years, with limited progression.
I taught reception age children for 5 years prior to the illness developing and had developed a sadness that I would never return as I had not been well enough to engage or even contemplate returning, however my heart had always maybe secretly yearned to.
I looked at how best to occupy my time whilst here in Ipswich, at which time I was definitely returning to the West Midlands and had met a support worker who had researched into children’s voluntary services who had heard great things about ‘let’s talk reading’ and thought of me, giving my education background.
Well, 2 years later, I still volunteer at the amazing ‘ let’s talk reading ’ sessions which provide a joyful, enjoyable and inclusive space where the wonder of books and their illustrations is embraced! All whilst nurturing the bond between care givers and the children and consolidating a caring relationship between each setting and the families who attend!
I have met some wonderful fellow volunteers whose dedication is admirable. We all LOVE what we do and beam when we witness the joy of sharing stories and pictures all together. No pressure, just fun and is proven to have long standing positive developmental influences on English language and literacy achievements.
I now work part time at one of the schools which ‘let’s talk reading’ supports! With a view to increase my time there as I build my health and resilience up. I believe the confidence I gain as a volunteer has provided hope and inspiration to work within education again. I’d possibly wouldn’t have been confident enough to have pursued before I began volunteering at ‘let’s talk reading’.
It truly is worthy of all of the praise, awards and wonderful feedback it deserves. It is life enhancing and changing~ not just for the children and families but for volunteers too!
