Why Shared Reading Matters

Shared Reading brings people together to connect, reflect, and share through the power of words. By reading aloud and discussing stories, poems, and other writing, we create spaces where people feel heard, valued, and included.

Across Derby and Derbyshire, our Shared Reading groups improve wellbeing, reduce loneliness, and build a sense of belonging for people in care homes, on mental health wards, in prisons, at college, and within community cafés and libraries.

Our Mission and Impact

We believe everyone deserves access to the benefits that Shared Reading brings - connection, confidence, and community.

Over the past year, we’ve:

Reached 360 participants across 15 regular venues and multiple one-off sessions.

Supported 43 trained volunteers delivering weekly groups and outreach projects.

Seen 95% of participants report improved mood and 85% improved wellbeing after taking part in regular groups.

Partnered with 17 local organisations, including Derbyshire Libraries, HMP Foston Hall, Derby College, the University of Derby, Artcore Café, Derbyshire Carers Association, and Kingsway Hospital.

Sent 550+ Poetry on a Postcard poems to hospital wards and carers spreading hope and conversation beyond our group settings.

Shared Reading is recognised nationally as a proven, non-clinical intervention that supports social prescribing, helps tackle isolation, and improves mental health (Jarvholm et al., 2025; Public Health England, 2019).

Our Reach Across the Community

Shared Reading operates in:

Hospitals and care settings - easing loneliness and supporting memory in dementia and older-adult wards.

Prisons - fostering confidence and rehabilitation through creative expression.

Colleges and youth groups - helping young people develop language, confidence, and connection.

Community cafés, libraries, and wellbeing programmes - offering accessible, inclusive spaces open to all.

Projects like Poetry on a Postcard - brightening lives in hospitals and carers’ organisations through poetry and kindness.

Each group reflects the community it serves, shaped in partnership with local organisations to meet people where they are.