IT'S taken for granted that we all learned to read and write at school, and that we all have the same reading ability.

However, many thousands of adults missed out on the opportunity to learn to read at the time when the basic foundations of this skill are acquired.

In fact, research shows that over 7% of adults have never learned to read.

However, it's never too late to learn.

Read Easy Shropshire Hills provides free one-to-one coaching for adults in South Shropshire and the Welsh Borders who struggle with reading.

They understand that many people will want to learn to read but feel too embarrassed to seek help, especially if it brings back memories of their childhood classroom experiences, which is why their coaching service has been designed to help new readers feel as comfortable as possible about taking the brave step to learn to read.

Read Easy matches up a new reader with a trained reading coach to help them work together through reading manuals, at a quiet private location, at a time to suit them both.

Reading sessions last half an hour, twice a week. Some people complete the course in as little as a year, while others can take more than two years.

What's important is that everyone can learn at their own pace without feeling rushed. There's no pressure, and no targets or exams to worry about.

Through learning to read people grow enormously in confidence, self-esteem and independence as well as being able to navigate through the world of the written word.

Steve said of his Read Easy experience: 'It has changed the way I do things, my life. It's given me the courage to go out and do different things, not just reading and writing but going out on my own and mixing with the public. Five or six months ago I would never have done the things I've done, like joining the library, reading newspapers, going on public transport and going to coffee shops and the supermarket.'

Read Easy Shropshire Hills covers the Ludlow area so if you would like to find out more, or you know someone who would like to learn to read contact Annabel Stacey on 07960 865564 or email her at shropshirehills@readeasy.org.uk. Visit readeasy.org.uk