The impact of reading groups at HMP Liverpool

At Novus, we are committed to supporting and implementing our reading strategy across establishments, to provide more opportunities for learners to enjoy the benefits of reading. Over the years, we have seen excellent improvement in reading support and the development of reading groups across a number of prisons through independent initiatives and working in partnership with charities, universities and education experts. 

At HMP Liverpool, colleagues have been supporting less confident/emergent readers through The Reading the Way initiative, as well as providing reading groups for more established readers to explore new books and share ideas. 

Encouraging more learners into reading at HMP Liverpool 

Nicky Bates, HMP Liverpool's reading specialist tutor, has been running Book Talk reading groups in collaboration with the charity Prison Reading Groups for over a year. Learners meet once a month to discuss a shared text, supplied by Prison Reading Groups and also choose a new book for future meetings. 

During a session in October, seven group members discussed the book, 'Gypsy Boy' by Mikey Walsh which they had read during the previous month. The high-level and mature discussion focused on family relationships, gender roles and sexuality, which allowed learners to compare cultures and attitudes. As well as compare the experiences described in the book to their own lives. 

Positive outcomes 

The learners participating in the reading groups have explained that they choose to attend Book Talk because they enjoy reading and "want to do something positive" with their time in prison. They have described the group as a "safe haven" where "you can forget where you are" and experience "a bit of normality". Some learners have also expressed how the group has encouraged them to read more and read books they wouldn't normally have chosen themselves, have the opportunity to make new friends and discuss books outside of the group on the wing. 

Overall, the Book Talk reading groups have been a huge success with learners frequently expressing how the group has benefitted their mental health, by providing a space to socialise and meet new people without talking about crime or the prison. One learner explained how the club "takes me away from my cell" and another described how sharing ideas on books had exposed him to "different viewpoints which helps me keep an open mind". Developing empathy skills is a huge benefit from reading and greatly improves the relationships our learners have with each other, colleagues and prison staff. 

Other positive learner comments include:

I like the discussions and positive interactions

It's changed my perception  

I'm not in prison when I come here 

The impact of HMP Liverpool's reading groups is far-reaching. Not only creating opportunities for learners to increase their cultural capital and display British Values, but also enhances relationships through better health and greater mutual empathy. Because of this, Nicky plans to continue Book Talk with participants looking forward to attending next month and beyond.

To keep up to date with the latest news and case studies focusing on our reading provision, take a look at our news section.