Shared Reading Volunteers 2026
Newcastle Hospitals Charity and New Writing North are going to be recruiting volunteers living in the North East to bring stories to life for patients through shared reading.
In 2024, we recruited a small group of volunteers to read with patients across wards at Freeman Hospital. Thanks to their dedication, shared reading has already made a meaningful difference. Now, we are looking to grow our volunteer network and reach even more patients across Newcastle Hospitals Trust.
Selected participants will receive bespoke training focussing on the principles of shared reading and preparing you to volunteer within the sites of Newcastle Hospitals Trust. Once training is complete, you will be supported to begin volunteering on selected wards and receive a selection of texts to facilitate reading and talking with patients.
As a shared reading volunteer, you are free to take on as much or as little as you wish. There will be the opportunity to volunteer for one afternoon shift a week for 6 months, as well as other options for those who cannot commit as much time.
We welcome volunteers from all walks of life and no experience is necessary. If you are passionate about stories, learning new skills and making a difference, we would love to hear from you.
Training will take place on Tuesday 23 June in central Newcastle.
The opportunity is open to all residents in the The North East Mayoral Strategic Authority area (the local authority areas of County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland).
If you have any queries about the opportunity, please contact [email protected]
What is shared reading?
Shared reading is an interactive experience whereby the act of reading a text aloud is shared by a pair, or group of people. Often used in educational settings, the principles of shared reading can also be used to encourage conversation and promote relationships. Books and reading allow us to connect to the world around us, and we want to use interactive reading as a way to foster this connection and enhance the patient experience in hospital and improve staff wellbeing.
Where will I volunteer?
We currently have opportunities for Shared Reading volunteering on the following two wards within the hospitals:
Ward 31, Freeman Hospital – Haemodialysis Unit.
Ward 31 treats patients who may have problems with their kidneys or are awaiting a kidney transplant. Patients on this ward receive long term treatment and are on the ward 3 times a week for around 4 hours at a time and may be prone to boredom and isolation. The ward has 46 beds and is split into 6 separate bays, with patients connected to a dialysis machine whilst they receive their treatment. Shared reading on this ward would take place sat at patient bedside, and most likely one to one with each patient.
Example shift times would be:
Monday–Friday
10:00 -11:00
13:30 – 14:30
19:00 – 20:00
Ward 43, Royal Victoria Infirmary – Adult Neurological Ward
Ward 43 provides care and treatment for patients undergoing various neurological investigations and operations. The ward supports patients with a variety of conditions, including epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and motor neurone disease to name a few. Patients on this ward may require more patience and understanding when engaging with Shared Reading. Length of stay for each patient is variable, although many patients are on the ward for several months at a time. The ward has 21 beds, split across 4 separate bays, and 5 side cubicles. Shared Reading on this ward would also take place at patient bedside, most likely one to one.
Example shift times would be:
Monday–Friday
13:00 – 14:00
15:00 – 16:00
