There are groups for young mums, for people with dementia & their carers, and for prisoners. Groups read aloud and then chat about what they’ve heard. It is a lovely way of sharing t

houghts about emotions and experiences. There is no ‘teacher’, and no hierarchy; the idea is to create a friendly, relaxed space in which people feel confident to talk about their responses to what they’ve read or heard.

Research shows that 93% of attendees say they feel better after attending a shared reading group, and now 35 NHS Trusts are partnered with The Reader organisation. GP Helen Willows comments, ‘The Reader’s approach has the power to transform the lives of the people that we see day after day at our surgery – those that are stuck, perhaps with low mood or who are socially isolated – these are people for whom another tablet is not going to make a difference.’

It is lovely to have another regular visitor, who is not a doctor or the hairdresser….the residents remember Vicki, and Shared Reading is talked about during the week. They think of feelings that they might not necessarily have thought about, and have fresh ideas. It’s a lovely group and well-run.
Staff Member, Christian Head

KSCA contributed towards the expenses of training our Secretary, Vicki Woof / Bertram, who is now a Reader Leader. Vicki goes into Christian Head once a week, taking poems to read to the residents.

If you would like to find out more, please contact Vicki c/o Kirkby Stephen Community Arts or visit The Reader’s website: thereader.org.uk