Charity collaboration boosts reading wellbeing project

An initiative launched by Derby Book Festival to improve wellbeing through reading has increased its reach thanks to a collaboration with a local charity.

The Shared Reading project, which aims to foster a sense of wellbeing and connection through the power of reading, has been boosted thanks to a partnership with WELLIES (Wellness, Education, Learning, Laughter, Inspiration, Environment and Skills).

Initially, Shared Reading activities were piloted during a floristry group, using it to reinforce subject-specific learning while broadening participants’ knowledge of relevant topics such as sustainable floristry and modern-day slavery in flower production.

The pilot was such a success, the WELLIES team rolled it out across all seven groups, reaching over 200 people weekly.

Since then, the team has incorporated poetry and literature into their sessions, enabling participants to bring in poems and pieces of writing to share and save in their art journals.

After becoming a Shared Reading volunteer herself, Julie White, WELLIES co-founder, recognised the potential of the initiative and the ability to seamlessly integrate it with the diverse therapeutic activities her organisation was already offering.

She said: “We use Shared Reading for personal development, particularly in fostering self-kindness, creativity, and understanding the impact of learning on well-being.

“Our participants frequently tell us how revisiting these poems lifts their spirits.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Derby Book Festival for the outstanding training and for continuously inspiring our volunteer team.”

Rose Braisby, Shared Reading’s strategic lead, said: “The success of the collaboration between Shared Reading and WELLIES highlights the positive impact literature can have in reducing social isolation and improving connection by fostering relationships.

“Working with Julie and their fantastic enterprise has been a great experience and has proven the value of Shared Reading within communities across Derbyshire.

“Our aim now is to reach even more participants, particularly with winter around the corner when it’s easy to stay in and hibernate, but that isn’t always the best option for our mental wellbeing.”

Individuals interested in finding their nearest Shared Reading group can visit https://www.derbybookfestival.co.uk/community/shared-reading.