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Our Programs

Our Life, the Universe & Stories social programs are a series of group or individual sessions aimed at improving quality of life of people living in aged care, residential homes and other institutions by enhancing their social, mental and emotional wellbeing. Our programs are also valuable for people with disability, job readiness programs, rehabiliation support, as well as migrant and culturally and linguistically diverse communities and anyone who just needs a little extra support for their mental health and wellbeing.

Our therapeutic programs centre around the reading, reflection and discussion of great short stories over a series of weeks or on an ongoing basis. The experience is social, enjoyable, meaningful and uplifting.

For Residents

For people living in residential homes or other institutions, our programs offer an activity that is easy, social and enjoyable but also meaningful. Our carefully selected literature allows people to explore and discover new things, while connecting with others in discussion around meaningful and uplifting topics.

Extra Support

Our programs have enormous benefit for people who need extra support to be in social situations, connect with others, or to express themselves. We see our group members grow in self-confidence and self-belief over the course of our programs because everyone is valued and accepted for who they are.

Job Readiness

We have seen great results from our groups being part of job readiness programs. We have seen participants develop improved confidence, increased levels of motivation and purpose, enhanced literacy and communication skills, more developed social skills and improved mental health.

CALD Communities

For migrants and others for whom English is a second language, our programs can have a profund impact. We have seen many people improve their literacy, increase self-cofidence, build social skills, establish connections with others, experience feelings of belonging and reduced isolation.

How It Works

Our innovative therapeutic programs are based on the established model and techniques of Shared Reading, a model that has been proven to improve wellbeing, reduce social isolation and strengthen community.

Over a series of sessions, our trained facilitators read captivating stories aloud, then support participants in reflection and discussion about the literature and about life. The reading sparks thoughts, feelings and memories while creating a safe space for sharing wisdom, meaning, humour and compassion.

You can use our programs to support independence, choice, dignity and inclusion. And you will improve the emotional and psychological wellbeing of your residents, clients or community members by offering them something that is easy to participate in, allows them to choose how they participate, supports them connect with others, and helps them feel happy and fulfilled.

Group Sessions

Our group sessions run for up to two hours and are ideal for 3 to 30 participants. The sessions are relaxed, enjoyable and meaningful. Literature is carefully selected with your specific group in mind. Everyone can participate, even if they just listen.

Individual Sessions

Our Individual Programs are perfect for those who would benefit from more one-on-one interaction or who aren’t able to participate in groups. This format still offers valuable social connection with our facilitator as well has mental health benefits.

Online Sessions

Our group and individual sessions can also be run very effectively online via Zoom. This option increases the accessibility of our programs and still offers benefits of connection, enjoyment and improved mental wellbeing.

Pricing

The cost for our facilitators to run a program for your residents, clients or community members can be a little as $5 per person. We will provide a customised quote for you based on your location, number of participants, session format and your budget.

Free Trial Sessions

As a first step, why not try a FREE TRIAL SESSION for your residents, clients or community members? You can then see how it works and we can discuss a customised program that will suit your needs and budget.

To find out more, call Christopher Smith on 0468 346 834, email chris@sharedreadingnsw.com or submit an online enquiry.