TWO pioneers who launched a literary charity that helps adults to read across the Salisbury area are now moving on to pastures new.

South and East Wiltshire Read Easy was first created in May 2022 following months of hard work by Clare Potter and Caroline Finch.

The pair had both independently been looking at how they could help adults to read, with the initial plan to teach in prisons.

However, as there are no prisons within easy travelling distance to Salisbury, they turned their attention to the national charity Read Easy.

Clare said: “An internet trawl led me to Read Easy and a conversation with Michelle Baker, the regional advisor for our area.”

As there was no Read Easy group in the Salisbury area, Clare was asked to set one up, but family commitments made it impossible at the time.

“About three months later she called to say there was someone in Salisbury also interested in being a reading coach,” Clare added.

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This turned out to be Caroline who, after retiring during Covid, also came to the same conclusion about prisons, still wanted to help adults with reading and turned to Read Easy.

Caroline said: “On contacting Read Easy HQ, I discovered that there was no group in the area and was asked if I would like to set one up.

“On hesitating to volunteer for this, I was told that there was another person in much the same situation as myself and perhaps we would like to meet.”

This person, of course, turned out to be Clare.

“Four years later, not only did we establish Read Easy South and East Wiltshire, but we also became good friends,” she added.

Setting up the group was not smooth sailing at first, as the pair had to prove there was a need for Read Easy locally as well as recruit at least seven people to cover various roles.

The pair now leave the group in a strong position, with five graduates, nine active learners and seven who progressed well but were unable to complete the course – although two want to return and one is on hold because of illness.

Some of the graduates include Anita, who created a book about her life despite learning to read just over a year ago; 81-year-old Anthony, who hid his illiteracy from his wife due to shame; and Mark King, who has reconnected with his community following graduating the course.

Anyone who knows of someone that struggles to read, or anyone that would like to volunteer with Read Easy, is asked to call 07942 382318 or email sewrecruiter@readeasy.org.uk