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Reading Round at Havens Hospices

This course has been an absolute pleasure. It has inspired me to start writing again. Thank you.
Havens Hospices outpatient.

The RLF’s Reading Round community groups offer a unique opportunity for people who love reading to come together and talk about great writing. Each group is led by one of our writers, who begin the session by reading a short story or poem, which is then shared with the group so that people can discuss their ideas and responses together.

Last year, novelist Syd Moore began facilitating a Reading Round group for outpatients of Havens Hospices, which provides care and support to adults living with incurable conditions and their families in Southend, Castle Point and Rochford.

Participants who took part in the Havens Hospice Reading Round group said they loved the process of being read to, and being able to share their love of literature in a safe space where they didn’t have to think about their illness.

I love it more than anything I would have chosen to do. Amazing, amazing, amazing.
Havens Hospices outpatient.

Hospice UK, a campaigning group that exits to promote and protect hospice care for all those who need it across the UK, spoke with some of the participants of Syd’s Reading Round groups for Havens, looking at the benefits and outcomes of the group for its outpatients. Read the article on the Hospice UK website this Dying Matters Awareness Week.

Reading Round is part of our Writing For Life programme of workshops and groups. We also have a number of Reading Round groups for members of the public – find your nearest group here.

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