Every week, The Reader brings people together at Shared Reading groups at its home in Liverpool and across the UK. Here, people connect and share experiences using stories and poems. There is no pressure to talk or read aloud.

Liverpool-based national Shared Reading charity The Reader, runs two groups in Oswestry – one at Qube 2.30pm-4pm (every Monday) and one at Oswestry Library 10am-11.30am (1st and 3rd Friday of each month). Groups are open to everyone and free to all.

The group at Qube has been successfully run for 10 years by Helen Willows and a team of dedicated volunteers. Michelle Kelsall has been running Shared Reading groups for The Reader at the library for a year. She knew of the group at Qube when she worked there but at the time was unable to volunteer. But two years ago, she had the opportunity to do the volunteer training to lead another group in the town and jumped at the chance.

Michelle said, “Shared Reading groups are a great way to bring people together and give individuals a sense of belonging. There’s no pressure on anyone to read or speak, you can just come along and listen. As a Reader leader, I select a story and poem from The Reader library (which is huge!) and share it with the group on a Friday. We always have interesting discussions about what we’ve read and learn more about each other through the story.

“Long-lasting friendships develop, health and wellbeing are positively improved, and a journey of deep self-discovery begins. We offer a warm welcome to everyone.”

Katie Clarke, Director of Literature at The Reader, said, “Shared Reading is for everyone. Our vision is a world where ‘everyone can experience the power of literature to help us survive and live well.

“And the research reaffirms what we all know – that it works. Feedback Week 2024 results show us that 95% of respondents say Shared Reading lifts their mood and 85% now feel like they belong more to a community.”

The charity has more than 420 Shared Reading groups across the UK and 850 volunteers. According to research, Shared Reading helps to improve wellbeing, reduce social isolation and build stronger, more supportive communities.

To find out more about Shared Reading groups meeting in-person, visit www.thereader.org.uk, email support@thereader.org.uk or call 0151 729 2200.