Reading for Wellbeing

We aim to support people in Newcastle to discover the health benefits of reading for pleasure. Whether it’s a novel, audio book poem or recipe book, there’s something out there for everyone to experience the power of reading to improve your wellbeing. 

Our dedicated team works in libraries and community settings across the city, with Helen leading the work on the East of the city, Charlotte in the North and Chris in the West.

What we offer:

• One to one support (two or three meet ups at a local library or somewhere near to you): We get to know you and chat about how reading might help you. We find out what type of books you might like to read and show you how to find and borrow books from the library.
• Group activities: We set up groups where people can get together to talk about books and stories. We listen to what people are interested in and how they would like groups to run.

A link to what’s going on at your local library: Somewhere warm to go and have a free hot drink, borrow books or audiobooks, use computers/printers/photocopiers, research your family history or join in with other groups and events.

For more information email – readingforwellbeing@newcastle.gov.uk
You will then receive an automatic reply with details of the basic information we require.

You will find details of all Reading for Wellbeing events on the Libraries Eventbrite page.

More about Reading for Wellbeing 

Reading for Wellbeing is a regional programme, initiated and part funded by award-winning author Ann Cleeves to mark the 21st anniversary of her North East detective character Vera Stanhope. Ann wanted to give something back to the region given the success of Vera, which is based in the north east and is now a successful television series.

The project has since been adopted in 10 local authorities, employing a total of 15 Community Reading Workers working in very local community settings with a number of other Local Authorities wanting to adopt this way of working.

For more information visit - Reading for Wellbeing