Reading for Pleasure

It can be used to develop skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. There is evidence that it can also help to improve confidence and wellbeing, particularly where people take part in reading groups.

NIACE supports Quick Reads and we are working with a range of organisations to promote Reading for Pleasure. Access to Quick Reads supports adults' progression through literacy levels, by embedding reading habits and a love of books in thousands of people's lives, offering a transformatory experience. This consistently strong impact has been shown in each of the impact evaluation studies undertaken since 2008.

A key development this year has been the establishment of 30 reading groups in a range of community settings.  Reading groups provide a chance to read, share opinions, chat and have fun – each one will be unique in how it works, dependent on the people involved and the way that they approach reading.   Reading groups can build confidence in speaking in groups and develop oral communication skills to express opinions, summarise information and present an argument or train of thought. Adults can draw on their life experience to join in discussions and, whatever their starting point, can improve and develop their confidence to speak in a group.  NIACE has produced Quick Reads Toolkits  to support you to set up and run a reading group in your setting.