The Reader – Bringing people together and books to life.
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?
| Do you enjoy discovering and sharing great stories and poems? Love meeting new people? Want to make a difference in your local community?
If so, Shared Reading could be just the thing for you. And you could be just the person for us. |
Why Volunteer?
|
• 95% of volunteers feel more connected to other people* |
We’re building a movement of volunteers to bring Shared Reading to communities across the UK so that everyone, whoever they are, wherever they are, can find a group near them. To make this happen WE NEED YOUR HELP!
How can you get involved?
|
Commitment:
Avg 4 hours p/w |
Commitment: Flexible, hands-on
|
Commitment: Flexible, light touch
|
 |
 |
 |
| “The Reader is the best organisation I have ever belonged to, as a group member and a volunteer” | “As a volunteer for The Reader, you don’t feel like you’re working for them – you’re working with them” | ” I’ve been telling everyone about Shared Reading and I don’t go anywhere without a few flyers in my bag to pass on” Read John’s Story |
*out of 39 respondents, September 2016 – February 2017
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.
If you would like to pay via direct debit, please download and complete this form, and return it to us via email.
Email friends@thereader.org.uk for more information or call
0151 729 2200.
The Reader is inspiring people everywhere to get together on National Poetry Day to share and discover poetry, old and new. To celebrate the occasion, The Reader has curated a special collection of poems on this year’s National Poetry Day theme – Poetry for a Change. Including poems from Thomas Hardy, Gillian Clarke, and Leontia …
Continue reading “National Poetry Day and The Reader: Inspiring Change through Poetry”
The Neolithic Calder Stones, one of the region’s most important archaeological artefacts, are embarking on a vital conservation journey this week lovingly overseen by national charity, The Reader. The excavation of the Stones is the centrepiece of a series of public engagement events taking place in Calderstones Park to celebrate Heritage Open Days. The Calder Stones, which are as old as Stonehenge and provide …
Continue reading “History is unearthed as Neolithic Calder Stones begin conservation journey”
For comment, interviews or information, please email martingallagher@thereader.org.uk
