WORKING with young people was the impetus for Derek Phillips to take on his rewarding role.

During the decade since the 61-year-old became a Reading Matters volunteer, Derek has supported many young people with their reading skills.

One of the most notable was Immanuel College student Christian Soda, who arrived in Bradford from the Democratic Republic of Congo as a 12-year-old speaking French.

Derek discovered that Christian loved Arsenal Football Club and during the Reading Matters sessions he used material sent by the club and a book by Gunners' star striker Theo Walcott to help Christian, resulting in a significant improvement in his reading.

"It worked really well," says Derek, referring to how Reading Matters volunteers often relate to things that the pupils enjoy.

The importance of reading is already well documented, but even for those who may be less enthusiastic about picking up a book, they still have to rely on reading throughout their daily lives such as reading instructions, travel information etc. It is a skill they learn for life.

"You try to get across that it is important in every day life. They will need reading in general life so it is encouraging it in all respects," explains Derek.

The retired civil servant, from Burley-in-Wharfedale, responded to an advertisement he spotted to become a Reading Matters volunteer. He says as well as looking for a local voluntary role, he was keen to help young people.

"I thought this would be interesting working with young people because, at that stage, I hadn't got any grandchildren, I thought it would be nice to keep in touch with young people," he said.

After finding out more about it, Derek underwent training and ten years later he is enjoying every minute of his rewarding role.

Although predominantly based at the Immanuel Academy in Idle, Derek has volunteered in other local schools.

"Generally the key thing is to get them to read and hopefully read more," he said.

Working one to one with the young person, Reading Matters volunteers are able to devote more time to those who may not be as competent at reading as their peers. They may also have a reluctance to reading in class.

Derek explains how the school selects the pupils who could benefit from the sessions to increase their reading confidence.

For Derek it also gives him the opportunity to share his childhood passion.

"I have always read books since I was a child," he said.

In the year Reading Matters celebrates its 20th anniversary, Derek hopes to encourage more volunteers to follow in his footsteps.

The father-of-two says for those who have the spare time, and want to work with young people, it provides the perfect opportunity.

Although a national charity, the Reading Matters office is based at Yorkshire Water in Bradford. The company, along with other businesses such as Barclays Bank are among their sponsors and supporters.

Emily Brady, from Yorkshire Water, said: "We're happy to host Reading Matters at our headquarters in Bradford as part of our ongoing commitment to support improving literacy skills in Yorkshire to help boost employability."

Amy Mortimer, communications manager with Reading Matters, added: "We are extremely grateful to Yorkshire Water for their ongoing generous support, without which we would not be able to make a difference to so many children and young people every year.

"The work is all about one to one support with children and young people who struggle with reading.

"There are lots of ways you can improve reading age, but our ethos is one to one support makes a really big difference. It is personal involvement, getting to know that child and acting as a role model."

Amy explained how the reading mentors typically work with the same young person for two and a half hour sessions a week equating to 10 hours over a ten-week period.

Last year they worked with and supported 6,805 children.

"On average their reading age improved by 13 months in ten hours," said Amy.

Improving reading skills can also boost a young person's confidence; improve their speech, enable them to achieve more and improve their prospects in later life when seeking a profession.

"If you read you learn about life from different people's perspectives. It takes you to new places, there is so much to be gained from reading. It enriches these children's lives comprehensively," said Amy.

Bowling Park Primary; Dixons Trinity Academy, Dixons Kings Academy; Dixons City Academy; Dixons Allerton Academy; Dixons Macmillan Academy; Belle Vue Girls; Southfield Grange; Lidget Green Primary; Appleton Academy; Bradford Academy; Thornton Grammar; One in a Million; BBG Academy; Low Moor Primary and Priesthorpe School are just some of the schools benefitting from the Reading Matters scheme.

To help boost its funds the charity is hosting a 20th anniversary charity ball at the Midland Hotel, Bradford on March 11.

For tickets, or for more information about Reading Matters visit readingmatters.org.uk.

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