Reducing social isolation

 

“I have been feeling very isolated and have almost forgotten how to talk to people, so this is a lovely icebreaker as a great opening for conversation.” - Reading Friend participant

 

Delivered in partnership with national charity The Reading Agency, the Reading Friends scheme aims to tackle life's big challenges, such as loneliness and isolation, through the power of reading. The scheme brings people together with trained volunteers over the phone, as part of an online group or in person at one of our libraries. Using books, magazines, newspapers, or anything else, the group starts chatting, shares stories and builds social connections. This can be invaluable for vulnerable people.