Shared Reading: A Derby Book Festival community programme

Shared Reading uses the simple, powerful act of reading aloud together to improve wellbeing, reduce loneliness, and bring people closer through shared experiences.

In our friendly, inclusive groups, participants and volunteers come together to explore stories, poems, and other pieces of writing, discovering meaning, laughter, and connection along the way. You don’t need to be a confident reader, and there’s never any pressure to speak. Many people simply come to listen and find comfort in the words and the company.

Research and lived experience show that taking part in Shared Reading can lift mood, reduce stress, and build a sense of belonging. It’s a gentle, accessible way to connect with others, explore emotions, and feel part of something positive.

Rooted in community and supported by Derby Book Festival, Shared Reading is free and open to everyone, helping make reading, conversation, and connection accessible to all.

What Can You Expect at a Shared Reading Session?

Every Shared Reading group is a little different, but here’s what you can expect:

• Relaxed and friendly sessions - there’s never any pressure to read aloud or share unless you want to.
• Short, engaging pieces of writing - stories, poems, song lyrics, letters, or quotations chosen to spark ideas and conversation. You are welcome to bring your own material as well.
• Time to connect - with others, with yourself, and with words that might mean something special to you.
• Guided by trained volunteers - our volunteers are kind, knowledgeable, and always ready to welcome new participants. You will be free to suggest ideas, themes and types of material to read in the sessions.
• Open to everyone - Shared Reading is free and inclusive, and you don’t need any experience or confidence in reading to take part.

Who Would Benefit from Shared Reading?

Shared Reading is for everyone! It’s a great opportunity to enjoy literature, find a sense of community, make new friends, and join an enriching weekly/monthly routine.

Have Questions?

We’d love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected] for more information.

________________________________________

Everyone is welcome—come along and experience the joy of Shared Reading with us!

SUPPORT OUR MISSION:

We invite you to join us on this journey by participating in our Shared Reading groups, volunteering your time, partnering with us to develop a new Shared Reading group, sponsoring our community project or collaborating with us to support our mission. Together, we can build an empathetic, compassionate, and inclusive community, improving Derby's wellbeing and ensuring one can thrive.

Interested in partnering with us? Email us [email protected] to connect and support our mission.

Our Values:

Accessible
Enriching
Inclusive
Inspiring

Our strategic plan for Shared Reading harnesses the transformative power of reading together to enhance wellbeing, reduce isolation, and strengthen community bonds. This plan outlines our commitment to creating a welcoming space where community members connect through shared stories, engage in meaningful conversations, and build connections. Through our Shared Reading groups, we aspire to foster a sense of belonging and support that uplifts our community and enriches quality of life. 

Shared Reading is transforming lives across Derby(shire) improving wellbeing, reducing loneliness, and building stronger, more connected communities through the power of words.

We work with hospitals, care homes, colleges, prisons, and community organisations to make reading and conversation accessible to everyone. Together with our partners and sponsors, we reach hundreds of people each year, helping them feel seen, valued, and part of something positive.

By partnering with us, your organisation can help expand this impact, supporting wellbeing, inclusion, and community connection across Derby and Derbyshire.

Find out how your business or organisation can get involved through funding, volunteering, or sponsorship opportunities.

Fundraise or Donate

Your support helps us bring people together through stories, poems, and conversation. Every pound raised enables us to run free Shared Reading groups in community venues, care homes, hospitals, and libraries across Derby and Derbyshire, reducing loneliness and improving wellbeing through the simple power of words.

Whether you’d like to host a cake sale, take on a sponsored challenge, choose us as your Charity of the Year, or make a one-off or monthly donation, your contribution truly makes a difference.

Together, we can change lives one story at a time.