RAW - your questions answered
 I'm a hod carrier and want a less physical job. I want to improve my reading and writing but I don't really enjoy it and I wasn't very good at school. What if I go to one of these RaW centres and I'm the worst there? There's nothing to be worried about. Many people could benefit from getting more out of their reading and writing. And the sessions at RaW centres are informal and suitable for everyone! Call 08000 150 950 to find your nearest centre. Advisers can also help you draw up a plan to help you move forward. |
 I'd like to help my kids with their homework. I was OK with reading children's stories but now they're working on grammar and punctuation and I can't remember any of it! You're not alone - grammar and punctuation isn't easy and many people have forgotten what they learned in school. Once you start BBC RaW you'll probably realise you know more than you think and you'll soon be teaching your kids a thing or two. Start by visiting the BBC RaW website. |
 You can do many things on the internet these days - banking, insurance, shopping, and booking travel. It seems quite complicated - will improving my reading and writing help? Yes! Helping you with everyday tasks is what BBC RaW is all about. Once you start to improve your skills you’ll soon be confident using the internet, and you’ll save time by doing your daily chores like shopping and banking online. Give us a call on 08000 150 950 to find your nearest BBC RaW centre. Also call 0800 77 1234 to find out where your nearest UK online centre is. In UK online centres you can learn how to use the internet to shop, send e-mails, find a new job or even trace your family tree - just about anything in fact! |
 I've been hiding my reading and writing problems for years. I always get my family or mates to fill in forms or read to me! How can BBC RaW help me? BBC RaW can help you with everyday tasks like these. Phone 08000 150 950 and ask about our coaching service. Our advisers can offer you ongoing support to help you reach your goals. Even after your first call they will be there at the end of the phone to help you if you have any problems. |
 Sometimes I get my words jumbled up so I think I might be dyslexic. How can I find out if I am? Dyslexia is different from just not being good with reading and writing. There are tests you can take to find out if you are dyslexic. Specially-trained tutors help dyslexic people with their reading and writing. Contact Dyslexia Action or the British Dyslexia Association for further information. |
 I'm not the greatest with reading and writing but I can get by. I'm not a journalist or author after all! Why would I need to improve these skills? Improving your reading and writing will help you get the most out of life. If you visit your local RaW library you'll find recommended books that will get you hooked on reading. Quick Reads are short, fast-paced books that are easy to dip into. By improving your skills, you'll be able to read and understand financial and legal documents more quickly. This will help you to make better decisions. Employers also say communication skills are the most important skills they look for in employees. And you'll be amazed what it can do for your confidence! The national Move On campaign can help if your skills are OK, but need a bit of brushing up. You can get a national qualification in literacy and numeracy which will look great on your CV. You can find your nearest test centre on the Move On website. |
 I'm too busy to go to a session every week! Why not do a home study course? You'll be able to study on your own, at your own pace, and at times to suit you. You'll usually get support from a tutor over the phone or by e-mail. Phone 08000 150 950 and we can put you in touch with home study providers. |
 My first language isn't English and I always have to ask my kids to read things to me. I want to do it myself! Are there courses for me? You should ask about ESOL courses (English for Speakers of Other Languages). These are run at colleges and adult education centres. If you improve your English you'll be able to:
|
 I've been promoted to supervisor. Writing reports will be a big part of my job. I need to brush up on my skills but I don't know what I need help with most. Before starting the course, tutors can find out what you're good at and what you need help with. Then they design suitable activities for you. |
 I didn't get much out of school and couldn't wait to leave. But now I'm finding most jobs are skilled and you need reading, writing and computer skills. I want to go back to college to get some qualifications - is it too late for me? I'm 43. It's never too late to return to learning! Start with your reading and writing and you may find you can't wait to move on to other things. Colleges, adult education centres, libraries and learndirect centres can all help. Call us on 08000 150 950 and we'll tell you what's available in your local area. |
And don't forget to call 08000 150 950 to find out more.
Lines are open 8am to 10pm seven days a week.
Contact an adviser
Email
Call back
or phone: 0800 100 900
Bilingual advisers available
Face-to-face advice
