Features
Read Yourself Well
Read Yourself Well reading groups offer
people the chance to read and explore literature. The groups are part of
the Self Health Services that Stockport Libraries provide in conjunction
with Stockport Primary Care Trust. The groups provide bibliotherapy
which is a way of using books to help people improve their wellbeing.
Bibliotherapy has been shown to have some very positive effects
including improving people’s social skills and providing a form of
relaxation. It also enables people to explore human experiences and
reflect on the lives of others and this can be helpful in gaining
understanding of their own issues.
In the small and informal groups we read short stories, poems and
extracts from novels and discuss them. This involves reading the pieces
out loud, so the whole group shares the literature together. The group
leader is happy to read out loud to the group, so there is no pressure
for people to do so if they don’t feel comfortable doing this. Reading
group members have no preparation beforehand as there is no background
reading and all materials are provided. The experience of reading
together stimulates conversations on how the texts relate to personal
lives and how it makes the reader feel.
The Read Yourself Well scheme is part of a wider reading revolution
headed by The Reader Organisation, which aims to make literature
accessible to everyone. Here in Stockport we believe this can be an
inclusive experience and reading group members are welcome to suggest
pieces for us to read. The sessions can broaden people’s horizons and
perspectives on the world, and contribute to their resources in
achieving positive mental health and wellbeing.
If you are interested in taking part in this reading experience by
joining a group or would like support in setting up your own group.
please contact Alex Barton alex.barton@stockport-pct.nhs.uk
or Maria Nother
maria.nother@stockport.gov.uk or telephone 0161 474 2515.
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