A new scheme is being launched which aims to bring people together, whilst improving mental health through shared reading and friendly chats.

Liverpool City Council’s new ‘Reading Friends’ scheme will encourage people to connect – virtually – in group sessions using books, magazines, newspapers and poems. People will not be expected to read anything,  if they don’t want to, they can just join the session tochat to someone new and have a laugh.

Sessions will take place over zoom, or on the phone, with face-to-face sessions being introduced when it is safe to do so.

Reading Friends has been funded by ‘The Reader’ charity and is part of the Opening Closed Doors recovery pledge in Liverpool’s new City Plan which aims to tackle the social isolation exposed by the pandemic.

Liverpool's Central Library
?️Completed 1860
?️Picton Reading Room 1849
?️Major refurb and reopening 2013 pic.twitter.com/myJDCnseC5

— The Guide Liverpool (@TheGuideLpool) August 31, 2020

Denise Jones, Liverpool’s Libraries Development Manager said:

“Loneliness can have a devastating impact on our mental health, especially during the pandemic when many people find themselves without much contact.

“That is why I am pleased that Liverpool Libraries will be offering such a great programme to get people talking and connected with new people, through the power of reading and conversation.”

Anyone interested in taking part, can contact the friendly team via email at [email protected] or on the phone 0151 233 5835.

To learn more about Reading Friends, please visit: liverpool.gov.uk/readtalkshare

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