Reading for Wellbeing is currently operating in 10 Local Authority areas of the North East:
- Gateshead
- Hartlepool
- Middlesbrough
- Newcastle
- North Tyneside
- Northumberland
- Redcar & Cleveland
- South Tyneside
People who may benefit from Reading for Wellbeing include those experiencing anxiety, stress, chronic pain, depression, or other conditions, family carers and those who may be socially isolated.
Professionals can refer people or individuals can self refer independently if they feel they may benefit.
Priority communities and individuals are determined locally by partners – see below for our current local area contacts and email direct for further information.
Directory of Community Reading Workers
Contact our Community Reading Workers directly to make a referral or self refer.
Gateshead Council
Karen Leggott
Libraries and Heritage Engagement Officer
- karenleggott@gateshead.gov.uk
- Gateshead
Hartlepool Borough Council
Lesley Shilson & Diane Youll
Community Reading Officers
Newcastle Council
Charlotte Isherwood, Helen Parker & Chris Wilcock
North Tyneside Council
Sue Goodman
- Contact: susanne.goodman@northtyneside.gov.uk
- North Tyneside
Northumberland County Council
Jane Sampson & Sarah Carlson
Reading Facilitators
- jane.sampson@northumberland.gov.uk
- sarah.carlson01@northumberland.gov.uk
- Primarily Newbiggin by the Sea and surrounding areas
South Tees Public Health & Thrive at Five
Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland council areas
Linda Johnstone
Community Reading Coach
David Rutherford
Reading and Wellbeing Support Work / Thrive at Five
- linda_johnstone@middlesbrough.gov.uk
- david.rutherford@thriveatfive.org.uk
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Redcar & Cleveland: particular focus Dormanstown, Eston, Grangetown, Kirkleatham and Southbank & Loftus
Middlesbrough: Thorntree
Can’t find your area?
If your area does not feature, search for your local library service and contact them to access free books and find out what services and groups they provide.
You can also try The Reader who support a number of Shared Reading Groups throughout the UK and online. Shared Reading groups bring people together in small groups to read aloud a book, short story or poem.