Literacy Support Volunteer (Hackney)
As a Volunteer Crewmate, your role is to join our online sessions and help children practise their reading and writing, 1:1 and in small groups.
Onsite
Volunteer Role
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Opportunity Snapshot
Commitment
Weekdays
Format
Onsite
Eligibility
Age 16-100
Your Role in Creating Change
We take children on voyages as readers and writers, and we’re on the lookout for volunteers to join our Hackney Crew.
Who are The Literacy Pirates?
Through our year-long after-school programme, we develop the literacy, confidence and perseverance of children aged 9-13, who are falling behind in class and have fewer opportunities in their personal lives, so that they can succeed at school and beyond.
Children join us in our fantastical, pirate-themed space in Hackney to practise their reading and writing. We also publish their work in the real world so that every Young Pirate finishes the programme a published author, journalist and film star!
What does a Volunteer Crewmate do?
As a Volunteer Crewmate, your role is to come along to our sessions in Hackney and help children practise their reading and writing, 1:1 and in small groups.
Sessions are led and managed by our staff team, which means you can dedicate the whole time you’re with us to providing direct support to the children.
You will:
- receive full training.
- help children practise reading and writing by providing constant encouragement, positivity and celebration of their achievements.
- take part in games and have fun!
- be invited to celebration events with the children to see the difference that you’ve made.
We offer:
- employment references, for volunteers who have completed 12 sessions or more
- work placements for students.
- Tempo Time Credits – for every session you volunteer, you will be rewarded with credits to redeem against days out, trips and extra-curricular opportunities for your spare time.
- socials and extra opportunities.
What are we looking for?
We ask volunteers to give just two afternoons every half-term, although you are welcome to volunteer more if you choose to!
Sessions run every weekday from 3:45 to 6:45 p.m. and you will have the flexibility to select which sessions you would like to attend.
No experience is required to become a volunteer – just a desire to help children develop their reading and writing skills! Full training is provided.
All we ask is that you:
- are aged 16+
- must be a UK resident, and are able to commute to our Hackney ship
- complete a DBS check (we cover the cost of this).
Apply via our website!

About The Literacy Pirates
About Literacy Pirates
We are teachers who believe that all young people should experience success in learning. Through publishing projects, reading support and the power of local community, we're on an adventure to build a fairer world.
Our Volunteering Role
Our volunteer Crewmates work one-to-one with Young Pirates, aged 9-13 supporting them to develop their literacy, confidence and perseverance at our after school sessions. During these sessions you will support our Young Pirates to produce one of our termly creative projects, such as published books, films screened at the local cinema and audio projects recorded at a professional recording studio.
Discover Our Mission
Where You'll Be
What to Expect After Applying
You can sign up to volunteer by registering with us at this link: https://literacypirates.rosterfy.uk/register. You can find information about volunteering with us on our website at https://literacypirates.org/. In case of any questions, please feel free to contact us at [email protected].
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