A new initiative aimed at promoting adult literacy is set to launch this month.

The Lord Mayor of Norwich, James Wright, will unveil the Read Easy Norfolk programme during an event at The Forum in Norwich.

Television presenter Jake Humphrey, who is a Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk, has been confirmed as the guest of honour.

Recent data shows that more than 2.4 million adults across England are unable to read or have significant difficulty in doing so.

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A Read Easy Norfolk spokeswoman said: "In practical terms, this means that they struggle to pay bills, read road signs, read to their children or even do the food shopping.

"Reading impacts all areas of life. Adults who struggle to read are five times more likely to be unemployed, four times more likely to experience long-term unemployment and are less likely to vote or take part in community life.

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"Parents with low literacy can’t read bedtime stories, support their children’s learning or read letters from school which can impact their children’s achievement too."

To address this issue, Read Easy Norfolk is offering free, one-to-one, confidential coaching provided by trained volunteers.

These coaches will work with participants to help them overcome the fear of learning to read.

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Philippa, a coordinator and coach volunteer in Wymondham, said: "I feel a great sense of pride when meeting the readers, some of who have had successful jobs but have had to rely on support from close family members to achieve that.

"I can’t wait each week to meet my reader and see them filled with new found confidence and enthusiasm to achieve what was so difficult for them at school."

The launch exhibition will be open to the public on Monday, April 29 between 10am and 4pm in the atrium at the Forum.