A snippet of March's Shared Reading Newsletter

Hello everyone and welcome to your March newsletter. This month, we’re sharing updates from our Shared Reading work, including recent training and activity across our communities.

Shared Reading in organisations: WELLIES training

This month, we were delighted to deliver tailored Shared Reading volunteer training for the team at WELLIES.

It was a lovely opportunity to introduce the principles behind Shared Reading, explore what good facilitation looks like in practice, and think together about how stories, poems and shared discussion can support connection, confidence and wellbeing.

Training like this is a great way to help organisations build their own welcoming reading spaces, shaped around the people they support.

Could Shared Reading work in your organisation?

If you are part of an organisation or workplace and would like to explore tailored training, a taster session, or running Shared Reading in your setting, we would love to start a conversation, email: katie@derbybookfestival.co.uk

Have you listened to our latest podcast?

If not, now is a great time to catch up before we release our next episode in April.

The latest episode on the theme of colour brings together a local poet and a Shared Reading participant for a rich reflective conversation including two original poems written especially for the episode.

Coming soon: our next podcast episode to be released in April explores the theme of friendship. Hosts Ellie and Steve are joined by a local author and illustrator and a Shared Reading volunteer for a warm and thoughtful conversation. We'll also be at Derby Book Festival to record a special feature episode so look out for us when you visit.

A big thank you to Dubrek Studios, for hosting our latest podcast episode!

We have groups running regularly across Derby at libraries, cafes, and online that are free, accessible, and inclusive!

Some of our regular venues include Artcore Cafe, Alvaston Library and Mickleover Library.

Interested in joining our online group? Register your interest here

If you haven't been to a group before - why not pop in and join a session! There is no need to book or prep anything, just turn up and enjoy.

You'll be welcomed by our friendly team of volunteers.

We update our website and social media weekly with Shared Reading group locations and timings - so don't miss out!

Planning a challenge this spring or summer? Fundraise for Shared Reading

Are you signing up for a run, setting yourself a reading challenge, organising a bake sale, or taking on something new this spring or summer?

Why not turn it into a fundraiser for Shared Reading?

Every pound raised helps us continue creating welcoming spaces where people can connect through stories and conversation. It helps us reach more people across Derby and Derbyshire and continue building community, connection and wellbeing through reading together.

If you would like to support Shared Reading through your own fundraiser or challenge, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Email katie@derbybookfestival.co.uk to find out more.

Stay in touch

Thank you for reading. If today’s updates have inspired you, please do get in touch (shared.reading@derbybookfestival.co.uk), explore our website, or share this newsletter with someone who might enjoy it too.

We hope you’ll join us again next month as we continue sharing stories, updates, and opportunities to get involved.