Shared Reading reaches further than you might think

For one hour, people come together around poems, stories, song lyrics or other short pieces of writing. A trained volunteer reads the text aloud, and the group talks about whatever the words bring to mind. There is no preparation, no pressure to read and no need to know anything about literature. People can share an idea, tell a story, listen quietly or simply enjoy being part of the group. That is Shared Reading - a simple idea that can create connection, conversation, confidence and belonging.
As Derby Book Festival reflects on its third year of support from The National Lottery Community Fund, we have been reflecting on how far that idea now reaches across Derby and Derbyshire.

Between July 2025 and June 2026, 47 volunteers helped deliver 281 Shared Reading sessions, providing more than 330 hours of reading, reflection and conversation and recording more than 1,700 visits to sessions. Seventeen regular or fixed-term groups operated during the year, alongside one-off events for children, young people and families. Some of these are the library, community and online groups you may have seen advertised. But they are only part of the picture.

The groups you might not hear about

Just over half of our sessions during the year took place through partnerships with organisations supporting particular communities. These groups are not usually advertised publicly because they are created for people already using those services. Shared Reading takes place in settings including mental health wards, residential and extra-care communities, education and HMP Foston Hall, alongside our open library, café, community and online groups. While the setting may change, the heart of the experience remains the same. People are welcomed without pressure, reading aloud is always optional and every
response is treated with interest and respect. 

In education settings, volunteers use stories, conversation, quizzes and word games to help young people develop language skills and confidence. In care settings, a poem can prompt memories, laughter and conversations between people who may not otherwise spend much time together. On hospital wards, a short piece of writing can provide a gentle way into thoughts or feelings that may be difficult to express directly. This work can happen quietly, but its impact is felt deeply. One participant described Shared Reading as:

“The only place I can be myself.”

Another told us:

“This is my hour and I would not miss it.”

Among those who responded to our annual participant survey, 100% said Shared Reading had improved their connection to other people and given them something positive to look forward to, while 90% said it had positively affected their wellbeing.

A reason to get up, get out and connect

Peter found Shared Reading after moving to Derby in 2024. He was recovering from a stroke, adjusting to retirement and didn’t know anyone in the city. He discovered a local group at Artcore café group through the Derby Book Festival website and decided to try it. 

“Walking into a room of strangers can feel daunting, particularly when youare new to a city, but I was made to feel very welcome from the beginning.”

At a time when much of Peter’s life revolved around his recovery and medical appointments, the group gave him something regular to look forward to and a chance to have what he described as “a normal conversation with somebody”. Shared Reading also helped him rediscover his creative confidence. He began writing and sharing his own poetry, went on to perform at local open mic events, volunteered with Derby Book Festival and started a book club in his block of flats. For Peter, the group was warm, welcoming and: “Exactly the opposite of academic.”

What began with attending one local session grew into friendship, creativity, volunteering and a stronger connection to the community around him.
 

Helping trusted organisations make Shared Reading their own.

One of the most exciting developments of the year was our partnership with WELLIES, a therapeutic learning organisation using practical activity, creativity and the outdoors to support wellbeing. In March, we trained WELLIES staff and volunteers to lead Shared Reading within their own programme. Three months later, 110 learners were taking part each week.

Rather than bringing in an outside facilitator, the training enabled people who already knew the learners and understood their needs to adapt Shared Reading around their existing relationships and routines. Some learners read a word or a line. Others listen, work with a partner or bring something of their own to share. The approach remains flexible, low-pressure and shaped by the people taking part. 

The partnership has shown how Shared Reading can reach further when skills are shared with trusted organisations rooted in their own communities.

Beyond the group room

This year, Shared Reading also travelled beyond physical sessions.

Our volunteer-hosted podcast brought together stories, poems and open conversation with participants, volunteers and local creative voices. Three episodes were released during the year, with three additional Derby Book Festival specials recorded for release over the summer. 

We also professionally filmed two sessions, helping people who may feel uncertain about attending understand what a Shared Reading group really looks and feels like.

These resources allow more people to encounter Shared Reading, celebrate local voices and give volunteers new opportunities to develop skills and confidence.

Be part of the next chapter

Shared Reading is made possible by people who offer their time, trust, creativity and support.
You could:

• join one of our welcoming public groups
• volunteer to help create spaces for connection and conversation
• listen to and share A Shared Reading Podcast by Derby Book Festival
• explore a partnership for your community, workplace or organisation
• support the programme through a donation, sponsorship or practical help

You don’t need to be an expert reader. You simply need curiosity about words, people and the conversations that happen when we bring them together.

Find a Shared Reading group
Volunteer with Shared Reading
Listen to the podcast
Donate to support Shared Reading
Explore partnership or sponsorship opportunities: email us at shared.reading@derbybookfestival.co.uk

Thank you to every participant, volunteer and partner who has been part of the past year, and to The National Lottery Community Fund for helping make it possible.