Madam, I am the Ross organiser for a local charity called Herefordshire Literacy Project, 'HELP' for short. We are an educational charity supporting people who have problems with basic skills like literacy, language and numeracy. HELP has been active in the county since the 1970s, providing free tuition to those who want it, some of whom have never learned to read, write and spell properly.

More recently, HELP has become involved in providing English lessons to migrant workers settling in the area.

Many of the learners have a deep sense of embarrassment about their lack of skills. Most of them have jobs, but their work is often unskilled and therefore poorly paid.

Our aim is to pair learners with volunteer tutors, who will support them with one-to-one tuition every week, either at the Ryefield Centre or in the learner's home.

At the moment. HELP urgently needs to recruit more volunteers in the Ross area to support this very rewarding work. People with a teaching background would find it quite straightforward. Adult learners are very motivated and never cause discipline problems! However, it is not necessary to have any teaching experience. The most important requirements are patience, tolerance, empathy with adult learners, and the desire to help someone who struggles with those vital basic skills that most of us take for granted.

For more information or to volunteer contact the HELP Ross-on-Wye area co-ordinator Miss Gillian Smith on 01989 565338.

Miss Smith, Ross