Bookmark Reading volunteer — Lauren White

Lauren studied Scots and English Law at the University of Dundee and then the Diploma in Legal Practice at the University of Glasgow. She volunteered with Bookmark Reading during her studies

Why did you decide to become a volunteer?

I loved reading as a child and it's something that I've always done growing up. I just thought it was such a nice thing to give back and to help other children read, especially because I get so much out of it, and I thought it was such a shame for children that struggle.

Why did you choose to volunteer with Bookmark?

Bookmark seemed like a really nice, organised organisation. I actually came across Bookmark volunteering through a YouTuber that I watched. She mentioned volunteering with Bookmark, and I thought 'that's something I could do'.

What was the application process like?

I applied online through a short form and had an online interview. There were a couple of questions and I had to show ID. Once I was accepted, there was online training to do, which entailed clicking through different videos. There was an introduction to the online platform that Bookmark uses, which was helpful. I found it all easy to follow.

What do your volunteering activities involve?

Up until now, I've only been volunteering with one pupil at a time, so the volunteering has consisted of two thirty-minute reading sessions a week. I start each session with an icebreaker, and then we read a book together.

The book is chosen depending on their reading level, how they found the book in the previous session, and whether I think they're ready to move up a bit. We usually play a literacy game at the end of the session.

How much preparation do you have to do for a volunteering session?

I don't do too much preparation for each volunteering session, perhaps about 10 to 15 minutes. I like to make a few notes after each session about what we did, how they found the book and what game we played.

Before each session I go back through those notes and gauge whether I think we should try something a bit harder or stay at a similar level. I look at the books beforehand to come up with a few I could suggest that are on their level and that I think they would like. I find that the games that we play are always quite led by the children during the session.

What do you enjoy about volunteering?

I really enjoy seeing the pupil improve and become more confident. They're always quite quiet in the first session, but they get more comfortable over time and like to tell you lots of things. So that's my favourite part, seeing them enjoying the reading and becoming more confident.

What are the challenges?

I think for some people, it can be challenging to find the time to volunteer, but being organised does help. With this type of volunteering in particular, I think one of the big challenges can be when the pupil gets distracted or a bit disinterested.

How did you find balancing your studies with volunteering?

I applied and volunteered while I was a student and I found it all fine to fit in. I really looked forward to the volunteering, as it was a  nice break from all my university work. Thanks to volunteering, I could take half an hour away from my studies and enjoy doing something that was helping other people.

At the start of the week I wrote all my commitments down in a weekly planner and then worked my studies and volunteering around them. Volunteering was definitely the highlight of my week as a student.

Volunteering obviously has a big impact on others, what impact has it had on you?

Volunteering has had such a positive impact on me, I have really enjoyed helping pupils. I never used to have much confidence and it's only recently that I've become more confident. It's been nice to be able to share that with the pupils and help them with their confidence as well. So, yes, volunteering has had a very positive impact on me.

Can you dispel a myth about volunteering?

I think a big myth about volunteering is that lots of people can't do it because they don't have the time. What I would say to that is, you definitely do. I was doing a full-time degree and working part-time, and I still managed to volunteer. Volunteering is so rewarding that it's worth making the time for. 

What advice would you give to others who are considering volunteering?

Just go for it. I think I would also advise people to not be nervous, as I know volunteering can be quite a daunting thing.

If you're volunteering with Bookmark I would recommend having a plan for the first reading session so that whatever happens, you have the plan to come back to. I think just try to be positive and encouraging in the sessions and be patient with the pupils.

Find out more

• Learn more about volunteering.
• See what the charity and voluntary work sector have to offer.