Reading works of literature aloud, states charity, The Reader, "can help people to carve out that rare time and space in which we can create human connections, connect with ourselves and engage with meaningful thoughts in a unique, powerful way.
"Great literature speaks to all parts of us, not just that which is sick" it adds "Poetry can remind us of parts of ourselves that in all possibility we had forgotten."
The Reader has been organising what it calls 'Shared Reading' in the city's mental health wards for almost a decade and is now rolling out the service to the wider community, looking for volunteers to be trained to be Reader Leaders or group members.
There's a taster event on Wednesday 19th June, between 10.30am and 12noon at The Energise Centre in Charlestown for anyone who thinks they might be suited for this and would like to go on to take a three day training course at The Angel either in late June or September. There are plans for ten new groups to be started this year.
"Creative reading together creates a shared sense of experience, opportunity to be real and talk about real feelings" says a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Mental Health "It helps with a sense of hope for the future and a sense of valuing your own personal experience, your own lived experience, and how important it is."
In The Reader's latest Feedback Week survey of more than 1,500 Readers across the UK, 94% said they look forward their Shared Reading group 'as an important event in my week'; 91% said 'the reading sessions make me feel better'; and 84% said they've made new friends in the group.
"Out of all the groups I do, it's the easiest for me emotionally and mentally because of the enjoyment I get from it; there's something special about reading" adds a volunteer "It does help my mental wellbeing".
For further details and to fill out the on-line form – click here
Or email volunteer@thereader.org.uk
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