Reading for Wellbeing
Whatever your story, let's turn the page
A gentle, supportive group or individual experience using books and storytelling as a tool for reflection, discussion and emotional healing.
‘Reading for Wellbeing’ was initiated and part funded by award-winning author Ann Cleeves in recognition of the solace Ann has found in stories throughout her life. Ann wanted to give something back to the region given the success of ‘Vera’, which is based in the North East and became a hugely successful television series.
Trained community reading workers engage with groups and individuals to introduce or reintroduce them to the joy and escape of reading and bring people together to share their ideas and enthusiasms without any fear of being judged.
"Stories can be healing. If we’re drowning in chaotic thoughts of our own, to step inside someone else’s head, just for a while, is a kind of freedom"
Reading for Wellbeing
As part of our Mindful Monday community drop-ins, we are delighted to be able to offer Reading for Wellbeing sessions. Mindful Mondays will take place from 10.00am to 2pm every second and fourth Monday of the month at Castle Chambers Café, (26 Castle Street, Barnstaple).
The first Mindful Monday will take place on Monday 28th July 2025 from 10.00am to 2pm.
Who is it for?
Accessing stories is an amazing way to immerse yourself in a world outside of the stresses of day to day life. Reading for Wellbeing helps you to discover a way to incorporate words, pictures, audio and visuals into your every day, bringing wellbeing, mindfulness and peace to your busy mind.
It doesn’t matter if you are already an avid bookworm or whether you struggle to finish the first chapter or podcast. Maybe you haven’t looked at a book since school or set foot in a library?
Whatever your story, you are welcome (18+ years).
The focus is on how to incorporate different types of reading into your life be this through story telling, printed books, e-books, audio books or podcasts. It is all about how you read rather than what you read and the positive impact this can have on your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
We look forward to meeting you soon to talk about what reading means to you and how you can turn this into a truly mindful activity.
Once upon a time...
