How the magic of Shared Reading is supporting wellbeing
By Rose Braisby, Derby Book Festival
In a world where reading is often a solitary activity, shared reading brings people together through the joy of literature and words.
Across Derby, this initiative is transforming lives by fostering connection, reducing loneliness and supporting wellbeing.
Run by Derby Book Festival since 2017, this National Lottery-funded community programme offers residents a unique space to experience literature aloud, together.
The Mental Health Foundation reported that ‘only a small minority of people (13%) in the UK were found to be living with high levels of positive mental health and more than 4 in 10 people say they have experienced depression.
One in six of adults have had a common mental health disorder, such as anxiety.’ (Public Health England, 2019).
This highlights the need for initiatives like shared reading to support wellbeing and bring people together in our communities.
Every month, more than 100 participants attend weekly shared reading groups held in spaces such as cafes, libraries, mental health hospitals, carers groups, colleges, residential homes and more.
These sessions offer an opportunity to engage with poems, short stories, flash fiction, quotes and letters (to name but a few)—bringing literature to life through the shared experience.
The magic of shared reading lies in its simplicity: one person reads aloud while others listen.
After the reading, we reflect and then share thoughts, ideas, feelings and our own stories related to the literature we just heard.
While the readings are the springboard for ideas, the true magic happens in between the readings being read aloud.
An example of this happened in a group I visited recently at Derby College.
It was Valentine’s Day, and we were sharing short pieces on love.
This opened a huge discussion about loving ourselves.
About prioritising our own mental health, and what this looked like for each person in the room.
It was a truly lovely moment of connection, whilst we swapped stories of taking mindful showers, cooking a hearty meal and having a “Sunday reset” day.
Participants consistently report the positive impact of these sessions.
One member commented: “Shared reading is one of the highlights of my week. It improves my mood. I get to meet new people, explore ideas with them and see the world from different viewpoints, all in a creative and supportive environment.”
A key part of the programme’s success is its dedicated team of volunteers.
With over 40 volunteers leading groups across Derby, Shared Reading at Derby Book Festival wouldn’t exist without them.
Not only do our volunteers give their time, but they also report they gain something too.
An incredible 100% of our volunteers report that their involvement in Shared Reading enhances their wellbeing and strengthens their connection to the Derby community.
One volunteer expressed: “I get a huge sense of satisfaction at the end of a session, knowing that I have made a difference. I feel appreciated and valued. Seeing readers improve and share experiences within the group, especially if they are shy, is a real highlight for me.”
One of the impactful locations for shared reading in Derby is Kingsway Hospital, where two groups meet monthly to support patients with their wellbeing.
For those receiving support for their mental health, reading together offers an uplifting environment and provides a new activity to try.
Coming together to listen to readings, patients can find new meaningful connections and comfort during their stay at the hospital.
Through the conversations after the readings, they can share their voice and feel heard.
We’ve also found that Kingsway patients are feeling the urge to read outside of the sessions, borrowing books from the hospital library, and bringing their own readings they’ve found to the sessions.
As one staff member at Tissington House, Kingsway Hospital, noted: “It has been a brilliant experience for our patients, it encourages them to come out of their rooms and engage in a reading activity.
“Many of the patients have reported that they used to read and had been struggling to focus on reading, but the shared reading made it enjoyable and easy to do an activity that they love with the support of others.”
The impact of shared reading is clear:
- 100% of participants reported they saw an improvement in their wellbeing due to shared reading.
- 100% of our partners reported that our shared reading groups help connect their service users/community members to the wider Derbyshire community.
- 100% of volunteers stated their wellbeing has improved because of becoming a shared reading volunteer.
Shared reading’s impact extends far beyond the readings being spoken aloud.
It creates a sense of belonging, fosters open conversations and encourages a space where every voice matters.
Where loneliness and isolation are growing concerns, the simple act of reading together becomes a powerful tool for improving wellbeing.
For anyone in Derby looking for a way to connect, find joy in reading, and experience the wonderful benefits of reading together, shared reading groups offer a friendly space to give this a try.
Whether as a participant or volunteer, the opportunity to be part of this enriching experience is open to all—one reading at a time.
If you would like to attend a group, volunteer your time, or partner with us, you can find out more information on our website: https://www.derbybookfestival.co.uk/community/shared-reading