Shared Reading x WELLIES Partnership Expands Reach of Wellbeing-Boosting Programme across Derbyshire

Shared Reading, an initiative launched by Derby Book Festival, has increased its reach across Derbyshire thanks to a collaboration with charitable organisation 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.

For those participants, they have explained that taking part in Shared Reading has helped them to overcome their fear of reading aloud - often rooted in negative childhood experiences - and has boosted their confidence in expressing themselves.

They've also highlighted how listening to others read aloud helps them to stay grounded and present in the moment, so they can reflect deeply on what they've heard. For these participants, Shared Reading in this setting has been both transformational and inspiring.

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 felt this collaboration would enable new and existing participants to enrich their lives. This vision aligns with that of Shared Reading, which fosters a sense of wellbeing and connection through the power of reading.

Julie 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," she added.

Rose Braisby, Shared Reading's Strategic Lead, commented: "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," she added.

Individuals interested in finding their nearest Shared Reading group are invited to visit the website here.

To find out more about WELLIES, visit the website for more information.