Meet Jamaican poet & novelist Christine Roseeta Walker, a volunteer Reader Leader

The UK’s largest Shared Reading charity celebrates its incredible team of volunteers as part of Volunteers’ Week 2025, Monday 2 June – Sunday 8 June.  

Jamaican poet and novelist Christine Roseeta Walker

LOCATION: Macclesfield 

ROLE: Reader Leader at Weston Park Care Home, Macclesfield 

WHY DID YOU WANT TO VOLUNTEER WITH THE READER? 

I discovered The Reader while researching ways to engage with people living with dementia. As a poet, I wanted to read poetry to the residents at a local care home, but I had no prior experience with people living with dementia or its effects. I felt it was important to understand the condition before designing thoughtful, cognitive-appropriate sessions - using poems that were popular during their school years. When I saw that The Reader offered coaching and support in this area, I knew it would be the ideal place to gain the insight I needed to contribute meaningfully as a volunteer.     

What do you love most about your volunteer role?  

I love those moments when I’m reading a poem or a piece of prose, and the room falls completely silent. It is in that stillness I feel the power of the words reaching the listeners, and I know that every moment spent choosing the right text, was worth it. I also love walking into the room and seeing how ready the members are - especially when they’re alert and eager to be transported somewhere new with the literature as their only vehicle. Hearing their thoughts and interpretations is incredibly gratifying. Everyone’s contribution is valid, and it brings me joy to know they feel that too. 

If you would like to find out more about The Reader and the volunteering opportunities, we offer please visit here. For more information about becoming a Reader Leader visit here Volunteers receive full training and ongoing support from The Reader. 

As a charity we rely on the generous support of individuals and organisations to help us change lives through Shared Reading. A donation allows us to train volunteers, provide resources for groups and help reach more people. We want to make sure everyone can attend a Shared Reading group, no matter their background, income or situation, and we'll be so grateful for your help.

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