Ever heard of Shared Reading?

Want to enjoy a good story with likeminded people but don’t fancy a book club? 

At our PSS Wellbeing Centres, as part of Upbeat Liverpool, our Shared Reading group offers a quiet, welcoming space to connect through stories, poems and conversation. Whether you read every day or haven’t picked up a book in years, there’s a seat in the circle waiting for you.  

What is Shared Reading? 

Shared Reading is a training programme provided by The Reader at Calderstones Park, which supports volunteers to make reading accessible in community spaces. Back in 2023, three of our ace volunteer peer supporters - Elsa, Michelle and Corinne, completed the training. Today, they host regular sessions as part of their peer support volunteering with our PSS Wellbeing Centres. 

Shared Reading isn’t about studying books or testing reading skills. It’s about bringing people together to listen to stories, reflect on how the words make us feel and share personal thoughts or experiences (if you want to).  

No pressure guaranteed  

You don’t have to read aloud, and you don’t have to speak if you don’t want to. You can simply sit back and listen. 

Step inside a session 

Rachel from our comms team recently joined one of our Shared Reading sessions to experience the magic firsthand.  Here’s what she had to say:  

‘I genuinely didn’t know what to expect. I’ve only ever been to a book club, and that was a little bit chaotic, but this was the complete opposite.  It was so calming.  

As soon as I arrived, Elsa welcomed me into the space and gave me a run-through of how the session would work. There was a circle of chairs, the lights were dimmed creating a cosy setting and soft music played in the background. When the other group members arrived, everyone was warm, welcoming and there was a real sense of friendship and camaraderie. 

Once settled, Elsa shared the story for the day. She started reading aloud, pausing at various points so we could chat. The discussions were my favourite part. Sometimes they were about the story and sometimes people shared stories from their own lives, knowing it was a safe and respectful space to do so. I loved listening to different perspectives and seeing the story through someone else’s experience. 

Elsa really brought the story to life and you could see there had been a lot of thought and consideration put into the chosen story, something all of awesome peer supporters do I was told.

It was such a lovely afternoon and I'm so glad I got to experience a Shared Reading session. It felt like a wonderful combination of creativity, community and connection. I'd recommend it to anyone!

Big thanks to our fabulous volunteers who create a safe and supportive space for people to enjoy stories together.'

Person-centred support  

Our peer supporters go above and beyond to make sure everyone feels safe and supported in the sessions. For example, peer supporter Michelle, created a discreet laminated card system so that if anyone feels uncomfortable while listening to the story, they can simply raise a card. The peer supporter hosting the session will then take a pause and connect them with a member of the PSS Wellbeing Centre team for support.  

A brilliant example of how our peer supporters are always thinking of others and finding ways to make our support even better. 

What our Shared Reading group members had to say:

‘Really friendly group. We all care and look after one another.’  

‘Give it a chance, there’s no pressure to take part. You can just sit back and listen to the story and other people’s stories. The group is very welcoming.’  

‘If someone can’t read, they can still be involved. The stories are always worth hearing.’ 

‘Great conversations and a good laugh. We also like having cake and Doritos. You’ll get a cake on your birthday too!’  

‘Couldn’t pin it down to just one favourite thing about coming. It’s an opportunity to come and share ideas. Nice group of people and nice to socialise.’  

‘Really friendly group. We all care and look after one another.’  

‘Even if you don’t like the story your opinion is still valid. We’ll have a good discussion. It sparks conversation.’ 

Who decides what to read? 

The Reader provides suggestions and our peer supporters also bring short stories or extracts they think the group will enjoy. Themes are shared ahead of time so that people are aware and can decide if this is something they might like to explore. 

Do I need to be able to read to get involved? 

This is an accessible and inclusive group, so there are no reading requirements and all reading abilities are welcome. It’s about listening to a story and connecting with others. 

How do I join? 

Our PSS Wellbeing Centre Shared Reading sessions run every fortnight across the North and South of Liverpool as part of Upbeat Liverpool.  

Upbeat Liverpool is delivered in partnership with PSS Wellbeing Centres, Mary Seacole House, Everton in the Community, WayThrough and Qwell. Providing mental health and wellbeing support both in-person and online.

The Shared Reading sessions are open to people who are currently supported by Upbeat Liverpool and have already attended a session (any Upbeat Liverpool session) led by an Upbeat Liverpool teammate. This is so we can get to know you and make sure a peer support led session is the right fit for you.

Peer supporters are people who have been supported themselves and now give their time to support others. 

If you’re not currently supported by Upbeat Liverpool, you can self-refer here.

Upbeat Liverpool

More information