Connect, Read and Enjoy
Reading Force and Book Clubs
Reading Force has been encouraging Forces families to choose and share books for fun, and as a way of staying connected with deployed parents and their wider families for over 10 years. Since March 2021, Reading Force has supported adults and children* with a UK Armed Forces connection through their fantastic book club offering. Everyone is welcome – avid readers, first-time book club members and anywhere in between! Book clubs help members to meet new people, build a strong sense of connection and reduce feelings of isolation.
“I found the recent book club completely invaluable to my wellbeing in recent months. It might seem odd that something so small could have such a large impact, but it did.”
Member of an online adult book club
Reading Force is looking for volunteer coordinators to set up book clubs* in military communities. You could be serving, a spouse/partner, a veteran or reservist, a Welfare Officer, Community Development Officer, Service Children’s Champion ...
Why run a book club?
A book club can help people feel more part of their community, building a strong sense of connection and reducing feelings of isolation. Reading the same book can also connect people for longer than a telephone call or chat online. Book clubs are a fantastic way to have fun, and each book club member receives three free books from Reading Force.
Head over to the Reading Force website (www.readingforce.org.uk/book-club-suggested-titles) or scan the QR code to see the available titles for all our book clubs.
In September, Reading Force were delighted to celebrate the marvellous milestone of 1,000 members joining a book club set up through the shared reading charity!
“Thank you for helping us to kick start another way of connecting people within our community.”
Coordinator of an online book club set up through Reading Force
If you are overseas, we can use the BFPO system to send books to the book club coordinator to distribute to each member.
Get in touch with Nicola, Reading Force’s Book Club Ambassador, to find out more about book clubs email nicola@readingforce.org.uk or call 07519 665410
*Volunteer coordinators of children’s book clubs must hold a recent Enhanced DBS/Disclosure Scotland/Access NI, and the book club must be held in a public location such as a school, library, or community centre.
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