Inspire Magazine - Autumn

Why Jack became a literacy volunteer
When Westbrook Court resident Jack began helping his friend with filling in forms, he realised
there were probably other local people struggling with reading and writing in a similar way.
Seeing the progress his friend was
making made him notice he could make
a real difference to people’s lives. Once
the Gorton-born eighty year old found
out about our Literacy Beacons project
he saw it as the perfect opportunity to
get involved as a volunteer.
The former Maine Road turnstile operator was introduced to
learner Michael and the pair quickly bonded over their love
for Manchester City. Turning up for the hour-long sessions
each week, Michael told Jack what he wanted to get from the
meetings while he was in the process of applying for jobs.
Not only did the learning sessions build his confidence, but
the difference in his wellbeing was clear to see. As Jack got
to know Michael’s character he realised bringing in City books
would be a great way for Michael to practice further at home.
The kind-hearted mentor even brought in his treasured Sergio
Agüero signed Manchester City match programme as a gift.
Jack would recommend volunteering as a mentor to anyone
who could help others with their reading and writing.
“Helping people to be able to fill in forms and read signs is
really important. I go home feeling like I have done something
rewarding.”
Literacy Champions give one hour of their time per week for
six weeks. By attending training, mentors get to know what to
expect and find out about the learning materials available.
Project Coordinator Wendy Woodfine adds “Literacy
Champions do not need significant levels of literacy themselves,
but need to be able to support people through their own
learning. Learners struggle with anything from
writing a shopping list, spelling or even
reading to grandchildren. We build a
tailored plan and work through it on a
one-to-one basis with a trusted mentor.”
If you could offer your time as a learning mentor or
know somebody that would benefit from reading
and writing support call 0161 230 1013 or contact
wendy.woodfine@onemanchester.co.uk
Food for thought
Trying to keep the kids entertained as well as feeding
them the same nutritious food provided by schools
can make school holidays a difficult time for families...
Holiday hunger is a recognised problem in areas of high deprivation,
where many children only get one proper meal a day – their free
school meal. Not available in school holidays, there’s more risk of
malnutrition and related health and developmental problems.
The Place at Platt Lane in Fallowfield wanted to help tackle holiday
hunger whilst at the same time encouraging children to join in their
Summer Reading Challenge. The theme was Animal Agents and
there was a special collection of animal books and stories to set their
imaginations racing. Besides absorbing themselves in the world of
story time, the children aged four to eleven years could take part in craft
activities such as papier-mâché, Lego building and sports.
Each child also received a free dinner from catering social enterprise café
Good Mood Food and there was plenty of fruit donated by Fareshare.
If you would like to find out more about youth opportunities
around the city contact bridget.halliday@onemanchester.co.uk
0330 355 1002 711