Reading is more than just a pastime. It can be a refuge as well as a gateway for the imagination and a release from isolation and stress. Getting lost in a good read is calming. It distances you from everyday stress and can give you a break from the instant demands of social media. Talking about reading and stories can unite people in ways that allow them to put aside their differences, temporarily escape their problems and meet on common ground in an equal conversation.

Our specialised training course with personal mentoring equips you with the confidence, skills, and resources to use reading as a tool for engagement, support, and personal growth in your community. Whether you're looking to enhance your work in community organisations or outreach programmes, this course will provide practical strategies, expert guidance, and free downloadable resources to help you make a real impact.

We also offer a shorter toolkit for facilitators to use as a cascade with a wider number of staff or volunteers. This is a great introduction to the reading for wellbeing approach. It is packed with ideas and practical tools to help to introduce reading for pleasure into any context.