Reading for pleasure is a significant element in many people’s day-to-day wellbeing. It can offer escape, comfort, challenge and inspiration. This induction course will support Community Reading Workers who wish to take on the role of engaging directly with individuals and groups who are dealing with the tough things in life. Its development was sponsored by the crime writer Ann Cleeves who believes passionately in the power of reading for pleasure to help our sense of wellbeing.

The course is structured in two modules, each with a practical task at the end.  In Module One you will consider what role reading can play in wellbeing and use some practical approaches to engage readers in conversations about their reading.  You will learn how to listen to different needs and offer reading connections. You will practise talking about reading with people who read and those who don’t think of themselves as readers. In Module Two you will learn quick ways of growing your book knowledge and building the resources you need, looking across formats to build a flexible capsule collection that gives you confidence that you have something to offer everyone you will meet.

Your Mentor will give detailed feedback and support on your tasks. Their role is to use their experience to stretch your thinking and to help you plan how to make a positive difference to the wellbeing of a wide range of people in your community.