More young adults aged 18+ are coming forward for help with reading and writing. Many feel stuck in jobs they don’t enjoy, or want to move into further study or better work but lack confidence with basic literacy skills.
Research in adult literacy shows that people are more likely to fall behind when schooling has been disrupted, inconsistent, or not supportive of different learning needs. This can include frequent school changes, long absences, or early disengagement from education. Other factors can also play a role, including limited support at home, unstable or challenging home environments, and experiences of trauma, all of which can affect concentration, attendance, and learning over time. For some, school didn’t feel like a good fit, or they experienced low confidence, stigma, or unrecognised learning differences such as dyslexia or ADHD. Over time, these experiences can lead to disengagement and widening skill gaps.
Read Write Now supports young adults who want to rebuild these skills in a practical, flexible way.
There is a growing awareness that:
There is also less stigma around asking for help, and more recognition that learning doesn’t stop at school.
