Valerie’s reading club showcases the power of person-led activities

Person-led activities go hand in hand with person-centred care, as they uplift independence, boost self-confidence, and allow people to feel empowered in their personal interests and hobbies. By taking the lead in organising and participating in these activities, the people who live in our care homes develop a sense of purpose whilst inspiring people around them.

These types of activities can benefit others and promote a sense of community and leadership. People who choose to get involved with solo activities, rather than group events, could feel encouraged by seeing their friends lead interactive sessions. This not only strengthens social bonds, but also nurtures leadership skills, creating a self-sustaining environment where people feel valued, respected, and in control of their surroundings.

Because these activities are designed by individuals, they can be tailored to their needs, preferences, cultural backgrounds, and life experiences.

Valerie, a former schoolteacher who lives at Sherrell House Care Home, recently suggested starting a weekly reading club. Reading literature and writing stories is a passion that has stayed with her throughout her life, so the team supported Valerie to set up the club inside her home.

Hosting this group not only allows Valerie to relive her teaching days, but also creates a shared space for others to explore literature together. During reading sessions, Valerie enjoys taking the lead, reading out her favourite passages and sharing conversations about the events taking place.

Hosting these sessions has provided Valerie with an outlet to share skills that she has developed throughout her life, whilst engaging in a hobby she can share with friends. It’s also supported people to reengage with a hobby they enjoyed throughout their lives and encouraged others to find joy in reading too.

Through her desire to lead these sessions, Valerie has made some new friends, developed existing relationships, and built an engaged community of people who now share her passion for reading.

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