Reading is Caring with Scottish Book Trust
Scottish Book Trust is a national charity that brings the benefits of reading and writing to everyone in Scotland. Our programme Reading is Caring focuses on people living with dementia and those who care for them. It is an established, free course that supports care partners to create personalised shared reading experiences, using reading to improve the mood, wellbeing and sense of self of the person they’re reading with and themselves.
Reading is Caring offers free, half-day personalised workshops for anyone who is caring for someone living with dementia, family, friends or professionals. The sessions are usually online but can be face-to-face, and are in small groups or one-to-one so that we have plenty of time to identify suitable approaches for you and the person you’re reading with. After the session, we keep in touch with further personalised recommendations to ensure we’re always supporting you in changing circumstances. The team is also available to speak with community organisations, workplaces or any other groups to provide information about the course. Reading is Caring always strive to be as flexible as possible so we can support you and the person you’re caring for in the best way.
As we are now in our fifth year, the feedback and evaluations of the programme are really consistent and it reassures me and the rest of the team that the Reading is Caring approach is important and meaningful. We know that after using personalised shared reading, people can feel closer to the person they care for, learn new stories from each other, laugh together, or feel closer to the memories they share. They feel brighter, more peaceful, or their day runs more smoothly, and these benefits impact the care partner as well as the person living with dementia. I love hearing these stories from our participants, and hearing about the people they care for, whether that’s a loved one or someone they work with.
Keira from Reading is Caring says:
“I know it’s expected, but I always go to reading for my mental health! Reading for pleasure has been proven to reduce stress, loneliness and improve self-esteem, so while I love to be lost in a book, I always try to make sure it’s something I enjoy so that I feel excited and keep going back to it. I really believe reading should be for joy. So along with a book, I need a cup of tea, a blanket, and half an hour away from things that worry me. I always feel better, even just for that time.”
Find out more about Scottish Book trust and the support they offer.
Do you live and/or work in Edinburgh and want to share your own experiences of mental health and wellbeing and the different ways keep you well? If you would like us to share your story, please email ithrive@health-in-mind.org.uk.