Building Community: Launching two Shared Reading in Halton for asylum seekers, refugees and Halton residents

Two new Shared Reading groups are launching in Halton for asylum seekers and refugees and Halton residents. With thanks to the generous support from the Halton Community Fund.

There is no pressure to talk or read aloud. These groups aim to support wellbeing and strengthen community bonds by fostering greater empathy and understanding.

What is Shared Reading?

Every week, The Reader brings people together at Shared Reading groups in Liverpool and across the UK. Here, people talk, connect, and share experiences using stories and poems. There is no pressure to talk or read aloud. Groups are open to all and FREE to attend.

Reading aloud in real-time means everyone’s involved in a shared, live experience. Group members are encouraged by a trained Reader Leader to respond personally, sharing feelings, thoughts and memories.

Everyone experiences what’s read in their own way, but the shared language found in literature can help us to understand ourselves – and others – better.

There are two groups as part of the project and we’re aiming for these to start in Autumn 2024.

The first is for asylum seekers and refugees (Widnes Library, Victoria Square, WA8 7QT).

The second is a community group to bridge connections between Halton residents, asylum seekers and refugees (Halton Lea Library, Second Avenue, WA7 2PF).

 

"Through the group I’ve made new friends and my English has improved a lot. I’ve discovered many new words through poetry and it’s helped me to develop my knowledge of everyday English.” Tariq, Asylum Seeker and Shared Reading Attendee

If you'd like to find out more, get in touch

Abi Blackburn, Liverpool City Region Partnerships Lead, abiblackburn@thereader.org.uk

We look forward to welcoming you to our Shared Reading groups and embarking on this journey of mutual understanding and personal growth together.