Shared reading for wellbeing
The Reader
Through its Shared Reading model, people are brought together to read great stories and poems – creating powerful moments of connection.
Shared reading for wellbeing
The Reader
The Reader is a charity that uses the power of literature and reading aloud to transform lives.
Through its Shared Reading model, people are brought together to read great stories and poems – creating powerful moments of connection.
The Reader’s work improves wellbeing, reduces loneliness and helps participants find new meaning in their lives.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were more than 600 Shared Reading groups across the UK in prisons, hospitals and community venues, including in partnership with the Life Rooms (Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust).
Photo © Tricia de Courcy Ling
Through reading with others as part of my Shared Reading group I have been able to see a way ahead and it has given me the confidence to start to live my life again. I owe my life to that group and Shared Reading.
Through reading with others as part of my Shared Reading group I have been able to see a way ahead and it has given me the confidence to start to live my life again. I owe my life to that group and Shared Reading.
In the Spotlight
easing chronic pain
The Reader has been running regular shared reading groups for patients with chronic pain at Broadgreen University Hospital Trust in Liverpool since 2013.
Members of a Shared Reading group commissioned by The Royal Liverpool Broadgreen University Hospital Trust discuss the benefits of Shared Reading for people living with chronic pain in this short film.
Proven benefits of shared reading for people living with chronic pain include increased confidence, improved wellbeing, and the alleviation of pain symptoms.
Members of a Shared Reading group commissioned by Royal Liverpool & Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust discuss the benefits of Shared Reading for people living with chronic pain in this short film.
Having a service or activity that comes into your home, rather than you have to get out of bed and get to it, could be enormously beneficial.
Covid-19 and beyond
As we recover from the pandemic, Shared Reading is needed more than ever. There are now a number of ways you can get involved with The Reader – join a group online from the comfort of your own home, read with someone over the phone or go along to an in person group at a community venue.
Visit www.thereader.org.uk or call 0151 729 2200 to find out more.
If you’re a charity, prison, NHS body or other organisation that would like to bring the comfort and escapism of reading to people you support, you can also request ready-to-print activity packs by sending an email to support@thereader.org.uk.
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