This project was delivered by Verbal with support from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Verbal developed a 12-week Shared Reading programme designed to reduce loneliness and improve mental wellbeing for adults living in rural communities.
Northern Ireland is experiencing record high rates of loneliness, particularly for older adults and those living in areas of high deprivation (NISRA, 2022). It is imperative to reduce loneliness due to its association with poor mental wellbeing and cognitive decline (Victor & Yang, 2012; Holt-Lunstaad et al., 2010). We aimed to reduce loneliness by delivering an arts based community intervention encouraging group discussion and reflection. We targeted engagement with rural communities to overcome barriers to participation such as lack of access to transport.
Our Shared Reading intervention was delivered in 10 rural community groups across Northern Ireland over a six month period in 2023, reaching a total of 111 participants. Sessions were delivered by Community Champion Facilitators who received Shared Reading training.
Loneliness significantly reduced in 44% of participants after taking part in the programme. Over a third of participants reported feeling more connected to others.
Mental wellbeing also improved in half of participants. After taking part, over a third of participants felt closer to others, felt more relaxed, and felt more optimistic about the future. Improvements in mental wellbeing were found to be six times higher in the most deprived community in the programme.
We found a significant reduction in symptoms of cognitive decline after taking part. The programme helped participants with their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and helped people to feel more interested in hobbies and activities.
This programme led to significant reductions in loneliness and cognitive decline, and helped half of participants to improve their mental wellbeing. These findings indicate that Shared Reading is an accessible and effective method of overcoming loneliness, improving mental wellbeing, and reducing symptoms of cognitive decline in rural community groups, reaching people directly within their community to improve their wellbeing and foster connections with others.
To read the full report, please click here .
Â