Liverpool YMCA

Get Into Reading

The YMCA Reading Group has been running since March 2008. It is run using the ‘Get Into Reading’ (GIR) Model and remains part of that larger group. The purpose of the group is to encourage and enhance the pleasure of reading in a supportive and inclusive atmosphere.
The group takes place weekly for approximately one and a half hours and the texts include novels, short stories and poems. The literature is read aloud by the facilitator (Sally Mooney) and by some members of the group when they feel confident to do so. It is quite surprising how quickly that can happen. Discussion of the literature occurs at natural breaks in the story.

The texts have led to discussions on friendship and the value of dreams and ambitions (‘Of Mice and Men’).

The idea of being different and having to find solutions for yourself (‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’).

Loss, grief and even mental illness (‘The Woman in Black’).

The culture of Afghanistan and the consequences of one’s actions (‘The Kite Runner’).

The value of books and reading, (‘Fahrenheit 451’).

The importance of friendship and finding out who you are, (Holes).

The role of women in society and how it has changed (Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’).

Below are quotes made by members of the group in the last 18 months.

‘It’s broadened my mind. I was completely dormant before. When Sally invited me I was thinking ‘’Why’s she maithering me? What does she know? How does she know I will like it?’’ But she was right!’

‘’The reading aloud has given me confidence about speaking out in front of people. I’m not so nervous. I thought of you, when I went for that interview, thought about the reading group. It’s not just me who has seen the difference in my confidence. Others have noticed it as well.’

‘It’s the first time I’ve read aloud since I was at school and I’m a little tongue-tied now. It takes a while to get your confidence, doesn’t it?’

‘I like the way you break the reading down-‘it’s helped me to concentrate’

‘It’s not like some meetings and that, where you’re looking at your watch and waiting for a tea break.’

‘‘I find it very relaxing. Well, I’m back this week, aren’t I?’

‘This is different from the other things we do here, and that’s why I like it.’

‘It’s acted as a brain gym for me. It’s made a huge difference’ and ‘It’s like a little light has gone on in my head-VOOM!’

‘I really like Emily Dickinson. No, honest. When I get a bit, you know, fed up and that-I read her stuff and she makes me feel better.’

‘Grand Assour is like the YMCA-it’s a place where you find out what you’re really like, what your strengths and weaknesses are’.

‘People have drug or drink habits in here, but this is a positive habit. It’s a natural high. It also helps you to trust people again and gives you a sense of purpose. People pay thousands going to see psychiatrists, but this can do the same for you-and you can get it for free!’