Become a volunteer
Will you volunteer to support the National Literacy Trust?
Are you passionate about making a difference in your community or organisation? Do you love to share the joy of reading and advocate for the power of literacy to change life stories? Join with us at the National Literacy Trust as a volunteer and together we can empower your community to thrive.
What is a Literacy Champion volunteer?
Literacy Champion volunteers come from all walks of life and are uniquely placed to make a difference on their doorstep.
They might be child-minders, youth workers, midwives, sport coaches, electricians, students, professionals and parents.
They are trusted local voices in their communities who understand the significance of equipping and empowering people with vital literacy skills which can open up opportunities, support in education and build a foundation to thrive in everyday life.
“Every small contribution matters to families that are struggling. Every free book, every free activity, every positive encounter with a fellow human.”
What will I do as a Literacy Champion?
Literacy Champion volunteers all have the same mission: to encourage a love of reading, writing, speaking and listening in the people around them.
As a volunteer, you will support our teams in the National Literacy Trust Hubs to help tackle literacy issues in communities across the UK where low levels of literacy are seriously impacting people’s lives.
This could be through a range of fun and inspiring literacy-based activities, helping at local events and promoting the National Year of Reading as part of a supportive volunteer community. Here are some examples of what you could be doing as a volunteer:
- Run a Take 10 to Read activity in your workplace or community setting, which can be a simple way to support wellbeing, build reading habits and create calm, shared moments around books
- Set up a book swap in a café, office or community space
- Support local schools or community groups by sharing stories, reading and writing with others, helping at events and distributing books.
- Help families take part in big moments like World Book Day
- Share reading ideas or book recommendations online
- Create simple displays or resources for local venues
- Help families in your area access books
Our volunteers have real impact
"You might think all you’re doing is handing out books, but I have been approached by some mums who said, ‘I don’t really know how to read with my children’ or ‘I’m concerned about my children’s development.’”
“I felt that in some small way, maybe I could contribute to supporting families in helping them develop those skills with their children.”
Are you ready? Sign up today
Complete the form to sign up as a Literacy Champion. You will then be assigned your local team and receive training specific to your community.
Volunteers are provided with a handbook and regular check-ins to help you to spread the word on the importance of literacy.
Volunteer for the National Year of Reading 2026
If you don’t live or work in one of our National Literacy Trust Hub areas, you can still share the joy of reading in your local area. Explore volunteer opportunities throughout 2026 to support the National Year of Reading.
Why volunteer as a Literacy Champion?
It’s simple – become a Literacy Champion volunteer and you will make a difference on your doorstep. You matter. Your voice and experience matters. Your passion for literacy and sharing this joy with those in your community matters.
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You are rooted in the communities you support
Your trusted voice and valuable local insight about the people and places you live, work and socialise help us to create sustained literacy engagement and therefore, bring about lasting impact in the areas that need it the most.
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You will support children, young people and adults' literacy
Does this inspire you to get involved? How about knowing that 9 in 10 participants in our activities delivered by Literacy Champions said they are more likely to read regularly (95%), know where to go to get help with their literacy (91%) and more likely to read regularly with their family (89%).
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Increase access to books and opportunities to engage with literacy
With a raft of fun ways to get involved from distributing books through community initiatives or supporting informal activities like storytelling sessions at local events, our volunteers are making sure no child misses out on having access to books.
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Our Literacy Champions are a supportive community
Become a volunteer and join hundreds of brilliant and enthusiastic Literacy Champions, boost your confidence, make new friends and learn new skills.
Why is literacy important?
In communities across the UK, low levels of literacy are holding too many children, young people and adults back – limiting their chances of success at school and work, and negatively impacting their self-esteem, confidence and wellbeing. We know that when children are given opportunities to discover a love of reading and writing, and develop strong speaking and listening skills, the benefits can last a lifetime.
Do you have questions about being a Literacy Champion?
Once you sign up to become a volunteer Literacy Champion, we’ll send you all the information you need to get started. In the meantime, check out our frequently asked questions to help you discover more about volunteering with the National Literacy Trust.
Corporate volunteering
Does your business want to have a meaningful impact through literacy, supporting the National Literacy Trust to help children across the UK change their story?
We're here to help
If you have any other questions, need further support, or would like to report an issue with a current Literacy Champion or their work, please contact our team at literacy.champions@literacytrust.org.uk