Read to Relax

Read to Relax is a new kind of weekly reading group that brings people together - in a relaxed and social atmosphere - to read, have a cup of tea and chat. In the Read to Relax groups you are read to, so it is your choice whether you want to read along or just sit back and listen. There is no requirement for everyone to read aloud to the group, that is purely up to how you feel on the day. The groups meet weekly, rather than monthly, which quickly builds a feeling of friendship between group members. Also, as the group quite often reads short stories and poetry, it doesn't matter if illness or family commitments mean you cannot attend every week. Reading aloud - and being read to - involves people more with the stories they are reading, it takes it off the page and encourages discussion. Read to Relax members have reported finding a new interest in literature, feeling more confident and generally having a better sense of wellbeing. The groups have also inspired some members to write themselves.