Facilitator Training - Fridays Apr/May

Course Description

WHAT IS SHARED READING? Shared Reading is a flexible, accessible and enjoyable evidence-based social bibliotherapy framework that supports mental health and wellbeing. It uses the power of stories and poetry to bring people together to: • Reduce loneliness and social isolation • Strengthen communication • Build meaningful connection • Help people find meaning in life’s challenges WHAT WILL THIS TRAINING GIVE YOU? Our online training equips you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to lead purposeful Shared Reading groups. You’ll learn how to: • Select and use appropriate texts • Read aloud in an engaging way • Support participation and communication • Create safe, inclusive spaces • Respond to challenging situations • Work deeply with stories and poetry Those who complete the course are prepared to help participants: • Feel more confident • Express themselves freely • Connect more deeply with others • Strengthen communication skills • Improve wellbeing and motivation Your training includes 18 hours of live online learning, plus 6 months of professional supervision and support, and ongoing access to resources to help you establish and sustain your own group. WHO IS THIS TRAINING FOR? This course is ideal for anyone working to improve wellbeing and connection, including mental health professionals, aged care workers, community workers, librarians, disability workers, educators and community members. COURSE DETAILS The course runs over 6 weeks with weekly 3-hour live online Zoom sessions. Training is delivered in small groups (maximum 6 participants) to ensure personalised learning. FEES Subsidised Retiree fee: $695 Standard / Professional fee: $1295 Both fees include 6 months of professional supervision and support, plus ongoing access to resources. Scholarships are available in exceptional circumstances. FACILITATOR This course is facilitated by Christopher Smith, Founder and CEO of Shared Reading NSW. With 12 years’ experience in facilitiating and training, Chris is leading the Shared Reading movement in Australia and is a passionate advocate for it's life-changing potential. He holds degrees in English Literature, Psychology, Humanities and Humanistic Studies, with a background in Community Development. He began researching bibliotherapy in London, trained with The Reader Organisation in 2011, and founded Shared Reading NSW in 2014 to grow the movement and train others in the framework. Join us and start making a positive difference.