Award Winning Volunteers in Knowsley

Last week our wonderful team of volunteers in Knowsley took second place in the Special Recognition for Outstanding Contribution in Communities at the Knowsley Sport and Cultural Awards 2016.

To celebrate this wonderful achievement Helen Wilson, project coordinator for the area, has paid tribute to the volunteers who make Shared Reading Knowsley such a huge success.

“This is easily the best thing I do in my week” - Michelle, Care Home Reader Volunteer

Since February 2015, Shared Reading Knowsley has been recruiting, training and placing a group of dedicated volunteers to read in various settings across the borough. Now a team of twenty five, these fantastic local residents give their time each week to help people of all ages and abilities connect with some of the world’s greatest writing. Their efforts and generosity have been awarded second place in the Special Recognition for Outstanding Contribution in Communities category at the Knowsley Sport and Cultural Awards 2016 – congratulations Knowsley Readers!

The Reader simply cannot do the work it does without the incredible volunteers who deliver reading experiences for people who may otherwise be at risk of isolation, or are simply looking for a different way of interacting. Thanks to their efforts, Shared Reading now has a presence in schools, libraries, care homes, addiction recovery services, community centres and many more settings across the area, giving everyone access to the best language we have for the complexities, challenges and joys of life.

“The best moments in reading are when you come across something – a thought, a feeling, a way of looking at things – which you had thought special and particular to you. Now here it is, set down by someone else, a person you have never met, someone even who is long dead. And it is as if a hand has come out and taken yours.” - Alan Bennett, The History Boys

The Reader would like to say a huge thank you to all our volunteers, old and new, Knowsley and UK wide, for being part of the movement of getting books into the hands of people who need them.

Whether you think you’re a reader or not, you can find out more about our small, friendly groups here.

“I like meeting these lovely people that have joined the group – we have a good laugh and we share our own personal stories as well as what’s in the book.” - Violet, Group member

If you're interested in Volunteering with The Reader in your area, find out more about our current opportunities.

Get in touch and be part of the Story...

Simply drop into a group or contact Helen Wilson, Knowsley Project Coordinator:

helenwilson@thereader.org.uk // 07807106693