This report evaluates the outcomes of a 12 week shared reading programme delivered to carers in Northern Ireland, designed to improve their mental wellbeing, resilience, emotional regulation, and social connectedness. The programme employed Verbal’s Shared Reading Model, which uses guided readings of literature and structured psychological discussions to create a safe and supportive space for participants to reflect on their experiences and develop coping strategies.
Carers, who provide unpaid support to older, disabled, or seriously ill loved ones, often experience significant mental health challenges, including stress, loneliness, and emotional strain. These challenges are exacerbated by limited access to resources and social support networks. The programme aimed to address these issues by fostering resilience, reducing stress, and promoting meaningful connections among participants.
Key findings demonstrated significant improvements across several areas. Participants reported a 50% increase in mental wellbeing, with notable gains in
feeling calmer and more relaxed. Resilience scores also improved significantly, with 91% of participants stating they were better able to adapt to changes and bounce back from hardships.
The intervention reduced feelings of loneliness, with participants reporting greater connections with others, less social isolation and showed an improvement in overall mental wellbeing. Additionally, stress levels declined, and participants experienced improved emotional regulation, with many feeling less overwhelmed during emotionally challenging situations.
While the programme had a positive impact, some areas for improvement were identified. Participants with complex caregiving challenges showed less pronounced improvements, suggesting the need for tailored interventions for more vulnerable subgroups. Challenges in data collection, such as a low completion rate for post-programme questionnaires, highlighted the importance of robust protocols to ensure comprehensive evaluation in future iterations.
Overall, the shared reading programme effectively enhanced the wellbeing of carers, providing them with practical tools to navigate the emotional and social challenges of caregiving. The findings reinforce the value of arts-based interventions in improving mental health and quality of life. This report underscores the potential of Verbal’s Shared Reading Model as a scalable and impactful approach to supporting carers across Northern Ireland and beyond.
To read the full report, please click here.