Shared Conversation: How Online Shared Reading is Alleviating Loneliness

Former charity manager Diana, who is housebound, has been participating in regular weekly online Shared Reading for the last three years since taking early retirement due to ill-health. She explains how online Shared Reading has helped her connect with other literature lovers and keeps her mind stimulated...

“I am a huge fan of Shared Reading. I attend three different weekly online Shared Reading groups run by The Reader. 

For me, Shared Reading on Zoom really is a lifesaver – I can be with other people live in real time, reading interesting material and having stimulating discussions. We laugh and cry together. 

For that hour I feel I have a connection with others and am learning something in an interesting way. It’s also an escape from one’s own difficulties. Being unable to go anywhere or to have friends over for social visits means difficulties can become amplified, but I like to keep busy and find Shared Reading is such an immersive activity. You can lose yourself in a story or discussion.  

I love the open-mindedness of people from different backgrounds and different ages respecting each other. It makes for interesting discussions, and we share so many ideas. It really makes you think. 

What I like is the interaction and excitement that arises from talking. It has also led me to becoming a volunteer, I now lead a regular online poetry discussion session for people with visual impairment. 

I have found Shared Reading to be lifesaving and stimulating. It helps me to cope with my day-to-day difficulties. 

I’d like to encourage anyone who is thinking about joining a group to try it - it’s fun and thought provoking.”   

Shared Reading groups are free, and for everyone. Each week we select stories and poems to read aloud together and everyone is welcome to share how the words make them feel, and their thoughts and memories. Find your nearest Shared Reading group here.