We’re opening our doors for another year of Big Days Out

We're getting ready for another year of Big Days Out in 2022.  

The Big Days Out programme is an initiative developed by us to give people a chance to try Shared Reading and discover how it can benefit their health and wellbeing. On a Big Day Out participants experience a day of nurturing and nourishment through literature, crafts and activities, and good food.  

A typical day might start with some Shared Reading over breakfast, before a gardening, art, or a yoga session. After lunch, the group will embark on a gentle nature walk around Calderstones Park, enjoying more literature along the way. 

To date, we've welcomed beneficiaries from eleven different organisations across Liverpool, including Crisis, South Liverpool Linking Lives, Liverpool Cares, Plus Dane Group, Brain Charity, and the British Red Cross. 

More than 80 individuals have taken part, sharing personal feedback about how it’s benefitted them. One participant said: “It was interesting, informative, and in some ways inspirational... Not something I would usually do. It was a real treat.” 

Anna Farrell, Head of Programmes here at The Reader explained: “Big Days Out are a wonderful way for people to experience the benefits of Shared Reading. There’s no pressure on anyone to read aloud, people can simply come along and enjoy listening to a story or poem in the beautiful setting of the Mansion House.  

“This, paired with other creative workshops and nourishing food make for memorable and enriching days together, creating connections and helping people grow in confidence. 

“We’ve worked with some brilliant organisations over the last couple of years and we’re really excited to welcome new groups into the Mansion House in 2022." 

We're continually exploring ways to reach new communities and deliver great literature to people who need it most. If you’d like to find out more about taking part in a Big Day Out please email marycrotty@thereader.org.uk.  

Big Days Out are part of The Reader’s programme at Calderstones which is supported by a variety of funders and core supporters, including Arts Council England, Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, The National Lottery Community Fund, players of People’s Postcode Lottery and the Steve Morgan Foundation.