A north-east council initiative is looking for volunteers who can give up an hour a week to help adults with literacy and numeracy.
As part of the Aberdeenshire Council Community Learning and Development programme, volunteers work alongside adult learners to improve their core skills.
It focuses on reading, writing, counting, ICT, cooking and employability, to give learners the confidence to participate in society.
Many use these sessions after struggling in school, wanting to read to their children, studying English as a second language or seeking new SQA accredited qualifications.
Carol Bambrough, one of the CLD workers, said: “It’s not like school – our approach is different.
“We’re here to empower people, give them knowledge, skills and confidence to do more.
“We find out what people know already and build a programme based around their needs either in one to one sessions or in small groups.
“People aged 16 and up are welcome here.
“We work with the likes of job centres, mental health services and Compass Point.
“My favourite classes are young mum classes who then realise they aren’t alone and we see them flourish and make friends.
“We’ve had people who didn’t excel in school due to family circumstances, young parents who are worried others will look down on them, people who can’t read their own mail – they just need someone to tutor them for an hour a week.”
Having seen the success the CLD produces, Mrs Bambrough is urging interested people to come forward.
She added: “We have eight volunteers at the moment, but very few in Fraserburgh and central Buchan.
“Sessions take place in libraries, community centres and family resource centres.
“Volunteers need to have good communication skills, patience and be friendly, you don’t need teaching qualifications as it’s not teaching – it’s helping someone gain the confidence to do more.
“We have the resources and will train you on confidentiality, critical awareness and how to effectively help people.”
CLD is taught in the Fraserburgh, Central Buchan and Peterhead areas.
Interested people should contact Mrs Bambrough on 07881 838232 or email carol.bambrough@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
