Read, Talk, Share

Published on 04 February 2021 11:43 AM

We're pleased to confirm the launch of an 8-week project delivered in partnership with Camden Libraries and the Reading Agency. Called 'Read, Talk, Share', this campaign is designed to tackle loneliness, and support the mental health and wellbeing of older people in Camden.

The Reading Agency are using the proven power of reading to tackle loneliness and support mental health, as part of the country’s Covid-19 recovery. The 'Read, Talk, Share' campaign provides the opportunity for more library services across England to offer Reading Friends, a reading befriending programme which starts conversations and connects people who are lonely and isolated. The Reading Agency will also be rolling out their Reading Well mental health booklists, with every library in England being gifted these collections. To find out more, visit the Reading Agency’s website.

Read, Talk, Share in Camden

'Read, Talk, Share' in Camden will consist of weekly 'reading aloud' sessions via Zoom, where older people can join and discuss the novel, magazine article or poem being read.

In partnership with Camden Libraries, we will also deliver one-to-one telephone conversations: supporting residents to access the Camden digital library, Home Library Service and local book, poetry and knitting groups. With more older people in Camden finding themselves alone, and for a longer period (because of the ongoing restrictions), these groups and services can provide vital support and engagement.

Dates

The dates for each Read, Talk, Share session can be found below. Click on each date for the direct Zoom meeting link.

Wednesday 17th February

Wednesday 24th February

Time

10.30-11.00am

How to get involved

Our weekly 'Read, Talk, Share' discussions will take place each week via Zoom. If you'd like to get involved, please call 020 7239 0400 Monday-Friday 10am-4pm. Alternatively, email info@ageukcamden.org.uk.

Each 'Read, Talk, Share' discussion is free to join; contact details will remain confidential and only first names will be used. Links to each Zoom meeting will be emailed in our weekly newsletter and published on the website closer to the time.

Taking care of your mental health

Books from the Reading Well mental health scheme are also available from Camden Library. This includes copies of the books in e-book format to make them available to as many people as possible. The books available are all chosen and recommended by health experts, as well as people living with conditions such as Dementia, and their relatives and carers.

For more information, vist the Reading Agency website here.

Age UK Camden Book Group

Each month we discuss a new book; giving members of the Camden community the opportunity to come together and share ideas and opinions on the latest novel and the themes the author explores. You can be as involved as you like: join our monthly meetings, participate in our Facebook discussions, or if you just want to read a new book - that's fine too! For more information about joining our book group, or to subscribe to our newsletter, click here.