The Reader – Building communities through Shared Reading
We are the pioneers of Shared Reading – a simple idea that changes lives.
By bringing people together to read great literature aloud we are improving well-being, reducing social isolation and building stronger communities across the UK and beyond.
We want to make Shared Reading so widespread that everyone, whoever they are, wherever they are, can access one of our groups. To make that possible we’re building a movement of Readers. Could you be part of the story?
The Reader is building a volunteer-led movement across the North West. Shared Reading has been proven to promote better health and well-being, to increase social inclusion and we want to make it part of every community across the North West. We’re bringing people together to build a region-wide, volunteer-led movement and we want to hear from you!
Could you run a Shared Reading group in your workplace or local library? Could you help to spread the word of new Shared Reading groups in your area? Do you have the experience or skills to support other volunteers?
Volunteers will become part of region-wide network and will receive full training and ongoing support.
Read more about our Shared Reading North West partners.
Project supported by
To learn more about our volunteering opportunities why not come along to one of our Volunteer Recruitment Events – you’ll find all the details of our upcoming events here:
Or get in touch and we’ll get back to you:
You can also email volunteer@thereader.org.uk or speak to us on 0151 729 2200.
In Liverpool’s Calderstones Park, and in Shared Reading groups across the UK, The Reader brings people together and books to life. From magical children’s storytelling, to Shared Reading in care homes, we open up the wonderful world of literature to people young and old. Our work is proven to help reduce social isolation, improve health and well-being, develop skills and build communities.
“The reading groups are a different kind of medicine and it’s through them that I’ve found a way back to life.”
Daniel, Shared Reading Group Member, Birkenhead
We’re now opening a new chapter for The Reader and we’d like you to be part of it. We want to:
Like anybody with a dream, we need Friends to help us make it a reality.
Every year we want to do something to bring The Reader Friends together. In 2018, along with our Patron, award-winning novelist and screenwriter Frank Cottrell Boyce (Millions, Cosmic, 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony), we will get in touch to ask for something that means something truly special to you. Frank will create The Reader Friends’ story from your contributions. Your story will become part of ours.
As well as this unique way of being part of The Reader, Friends will also receive:
Families can take advantage of all of these benefits plus four tickets to The Storybarn, The Reader’s interactive story centre for children at Calderstones Park, for £6 per month (£72 per year).
Pass it forward. Reader Friendship makes a unique present for any occasion while making a real difference in the community.
Email friends@thereader.org.uk for more information or call
0151 729 2200.
Arriva North West and Wales has teamed up with The Reader and Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse Theatres for a whole host of activities to support National Share-A-Story Month in May. National Share-A-Story Month (NSSM) is an annual celebration of the power of storytelling and story sharing. Arriva, The Reader and the Everyman & Playhouse Theatres …
In partnership with Bristol Ageing Better, The Reader, a national charity which builds stronger, healthier communities through Shared Reading, has announced an exciting new volunteer-led programme which will create meaningful shared experiences and stronger social networks for the over 50s across Bristol. Over the next two years, The Reader will work with organisations across the …
For comment, interviews or information, please email martingallagher@thereader.org.uk
