People with literacy problems who need help with things such as understanding health information and filling out social welfare forms, can now avail of free tuition over the phone.

The National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) has tutors available on the phone, or people can choose to study online.

It aims to help people with:
-Reading, writing and spelling
-Filling in forms, such as social welfare forms
-Understanding health information
-Understanding financial information, such as applying for mortgage relief
-Helping children with their homework.

When learning with a tutor over the phone, you decide what you want to learn, there is no set course. NALA will call when it suits you, there is no class schedule. Normally, one call per week will be made, lasting up to 30 minutes and NALA will work with you until you want to stop.

"We know it's a very difficult time at the moment, especially for the many people in Ireland who struggle with reading, writing and using everyday technology. That's why we're making our distance learning service, with tutors on the phone, available for anyone who wants help with reading and writing.

"We can also help with basic digital support like accessing the kids' homework online or your classes online, as we know it can be a little daunting," explained NALA's chief executive, Dr Inez Bailey.

Anyone who is interested in accessing this service, which is free of charge, should call 1800 20 20 65 or freetext LEARN to 50050.

"We will ring you back and set a time for one of our tutors to help you. We can work with you over the telephone, through the post or online," Dr Bailey noted.

NALA also has a new website that can help improve literacy and numeracy skills. Click here to start learning today.

There are currently two courses available - Level 2 writing and Level 2 Pattern and Relationship. Two more courses, Level 2 Reading and Level 2 Using Technology, will be available by next week.

"Our tutor phone service and online learning is available for anyone who needs it. Perhaps you want to get better at maths to help your children with their homework? Or maybe you want to improve your spelling to fill in forms?"

"We design learning around you, your needs and your skills. Whatever the reason, the benefits are always the same. Not only will you improve your skills, but you will also gain the confidence to learn new ones. And the great news is that it's all free," Dr Bailey added.

For more information on NALA, click here.