Message from Chris Shaw CEO Advocacy in Wirral
We have – Get into Reading in unit 66 every Friday at noon– this will be fab and will give folk the chance to find a voice and expression through exploring literature – please come along and experience it for yourselves!!
Get into Reading
“It’s not just about reading or getting to know the story. It’s about having our opinions about things as well.” Lesley, Liverpool
Get Into Reading groups are led by trained project workers and volunteers, meeting each week to read books and poems together in locations such as care homes, libraries, prisons, mental health drop-in centres, community centres, schools, hostels, refugee centres and workplaces. Get Into Reading works because we go to where people are.
We read aloud, slowly, taking time over each text, allowing thoughts, connections and understanding to emerge.
“Being part of a group is special – it’s more than just reading a book. I was never a great reader beforehand, but this group is something that I have become attached to; it means a lot to me to be part of it and it has helped me in my life outside the group as well.” Sue, Wirral
Members can choose to join in, or not, and at times the reading will stop to allow some talk about parts of the text, discussing what it might mean, or reflect on similar experiences of their own. The effects are subtle, and profound.
“Sometimes you can see different people having different ideas. You take something one way and someone else might take it a different way, and it makes you think. You respect other people’s opinions.” Sam, London
A relaxed, friendly atmosphere is created in each group. Over time, people build up a confidence that enables them to tell their own stories, as well as to forge close relationships with fellow readers.
For some readers, this prompts new aspirations, and the searching out of further learning and support that will help rebuild their lives. For others, their reading group is a lifeline, helping to keep them on a more even keel. For all, it is a regular lift each week.
“It’s a life-changer, I’m so much more confident now.” George, full-time carer, Wirral
By reaching people out to people who may not otherwise be readers, Get Into Reading groups meet a vast range of individual needs. They help to ease those physically or emotionally troubled; provide a confidence boost to those who need it; allow people to unite with one another; and introduce new authors and poets to all our readers.
Phoenix is the editor of this site and was given a diagnosis of bipolar over twenty years ago. In between 8 periods of severe difficulty and hospitalisation she trained as a garden designer and was a awarded an RHS Diploma, gained a first class degree in Cultural Studies and a Certificate in Education that enables her to lecture in Recovery in Mental Health to psychiatric nurse students and mental health professionals at universities.
Phoenix leads a diverse life helped along by Wellness Recovery Action Planning and all aspects of Recovery. In the last few years she performed stand up comedy. Laughter truly is the best medicine! Now she is concentrating on being involved in improving conditions for inpatients and service receivers trustwide and nationwide. And training in WRAP, Recovery Star and the new Advanced Statement and some gardening for health. Art is now a major focus with some great new projects coming up. Also working with services to develop a new approach for people to have a greater knowledge and insight to their own trauma and recovery. 
