Read the evaluation of the 2024/25 Reading is Caring programme

The pilot of our Reading is Caring programme first launched in 2019. Reading is Caring is a programme supporting people living with dementia and those who care for them (professional carers and family care partners) through shared reading workshops. 

This external evaluation of the 2024/25 programme examines the impact that Reading is Caring has on people living with dementia and those who care for them, reflects on delivery and discusses possible future developments.

Read the report

Key conclusions

• 100% of respondents either strongly agreed or agreed that they enjoyed the training
• 100% of respondents either strongly agreed or agreed that they enjoyed the shared reading experience when they tried it after the training
• 100% of respondents either strongly agreed or agreed that the training was delivered in a safe space where they felt comfortable sharing their experience
• 100% of respondents either strongly agreed or agreed that they had gained useful skills

Four themes emerge as the key outcomes from the Reading is Caring evaluation 2024/25:

The following are quotes from participants in the Reading is Caring programme.

Engagement and enjoyment 

• 'My mum was really engaged in it and that time she said, 'I would like to do one verse, and you do the other.' Well, I could have wept with joy.' – Family Care Partner

Shared experiences 

• 'My mum... was less angry and more like ‘her old self’. She was reluctant to begin the shared reading but once we began it really made a difference, and she has talked about it long after we have finished. It has really had a positive impact on her and we both shared a relaxed and personal time away from the everyday care and daily routine. Thank you.' – Family Care Partner

High-quality training and workshops 

• 'I couldn't believe the amount of time that was spent with me online, the literature that's been provided, it's been coming through the post. . .' – Family Care Partner
• 'Sometimes you give that advice of 'try reading', or whatever, but without a better understanding. . . This has given confidence that there's research behind it and it works.' – Professional Care Partner

Programme legacy 

• 'I found that this has also been a bit of a stepping stone, not necessarily to acceptance, because acceptance is very, very difficult when you see somebody going through this. But it's a stepping stone to, I guess, contented dementia for both of us. It's a stepping stone to kind of a tranquil experience.' – Family Care Partner

Please note: Our 2022/23 evaluation executive summary was converted from an accessible word document to protect the content of our external examiner. If you require the information in an alternative format, please contact [email protected](this link will open in a new window).