Tackling loneliness and isolation in Newport through the power of reading
Posted on Wednesday 10th May 2023
Newport libraries are helping residents reduce isolation and loneliness with a new reading group called Reading Friends.
Reading Friends is a free group bringing people together using reading to get everyone chatting and meet new friends.
It is a UK-wide initiative from the Reading Agency - developed with funding from the National Lottery Community Fund and the Department of Digital, Media, Culture and Sport (DCMS) - which connects people by starting conversations through reading.
Councillor Debbie Harvey, cabinet member for community wellbeing said: “Public libraries are trusted community spaces and, as part of the universal health offer, is a perfect location to introduce this social reading and befriending programme.
It brings people together to share stories, meet new friends and have fun using reading – whether it be a book, magazine, newspaper or anything else!”
The first meeting of the group will be on 15 May from 2pm – 3pm at Malpas Library and will run on the third Monday of every month. There is no need to book, people can just turn up on the day.