New reading group set up in Barry (From Barry And District News)

New reading group set up in Barry

4:40pm Tuesday 18th September 2012 in News

MAKE friends, discover new literature and enjoy quality time - these are just some of the benefits of joining the Vale's first Shared Reading Group in Barry.

Meeting in Barry's West Quay Medical Centre on Thursdays (1-2.15pm), the group offers an opportunity for local people to come together in an informal setting to listen, read aloud and discuss pieces of literature.

Each week a selection of poems and stories are chosen for the group to read together and later discuss. As well as the social aspect, joining a shared reading meeting has been proven to help boost wellbeing by encouraging expression, self reflection and building confidence.

Shared reading has also been shown to be beneficial to people suffering stress, lack of confidence, low self-esteem, loneliness and mild to moderate mental health issues.

Community outreach officer at the ValeCouncil, Andrea Griffiths, who's been trained as a shared reading facilitator, leads the meetings .

"It's the best thing I've done in over 35 years working in the library service," she said.

The Shared Reading Group at West Quay Medical Centre is the first of its kind in the Vale. For information contact Andrea Griffiths on 01446 725381.

Light refreshments are provided.