“Wellbeing and good mental health come from connecting with other people – family, friends or colleagues – and from taking part in something worthwhile. Get Into Reading provides both of these, as well as the sheer pleasure of the book. Reading aloud, or listening to someone read aloud, is a relationship-building shared experience.” Professor Louis Appleby, former NHS Director for Mental Health
Get Into Reading is our leading social outreach project. Since 2001, we have offered weekly read-aloud reading groups for everyone: from those who wouldn't usually pick up a book to keen readers. The groups aim to improve wellbeing, build community and extend reading pleasure.
Read more about Get Into Reading
Watch a short film about Get Into Reading from 'Why Reading Matters' (BBC):
- Where is Get Into Reading?
Open Get Into Reading Groups on Merseyside
Get Into Reading in other areas of the UK
Get Into Reading work has been strongly supported by advocates within the NHS. Dr David Fearnley, Medical Director, Mersey Care NHS Trust (RCPsych 'Psychiatrist of the Year 2009') runs a Get Into Reading group with inmates at Ashworth Hospital (high secure unit) and believes that: