WAY’s Book Club: online support for our members

July 2025

Between them, WAY members have created and coordinate a fantastic and wide-ranging array of subgroups on Facebook and on our Members Hub, which reflect an incredible array of interests.

Whether members are looking for a group relating to their partner’s cause of death, searching for a common interest, or looking for members in their local area, there are over 35 special interest groups listed on our Members Hub.

With more than 4,500 WAY members throughout the UK, each member has their our own individual journey, but finding people who share similar interest can really help along the way. 

WAY Ambassador Sophie has been a member of WAY since 2018 and is now an admin for WAY’s Book Club, which meets once a month (on a Monday evening) via Zoom. She takes up the tale…

---

“I have always been an avid reader, so I joined the WAY Book Club as a way to socialise and to get through the initial tough months at the start of being widowed. Now seven years on, WAY serves a different purpose for me – it’s my connection to the adult outside world. As a solo parent to a child with special educational needs, it’s hard for me to get out and about. So online opportunities via WAY are important.

When I first joined WAY Book Club, there was a traditional book club run via Zoom with a set book to read by a certain date. This group lapsed but I wanted an online book club with no pressure, just friendly chat about reading. I set up a few Zoom meet ups on my personal account, which worked well, except we always ran out of time due to the 40-minute limit! So I asked WAY if I could use their volunteer Zoom account, which was agreed.

Through my volunteer work with WAY and being active on the Facebook page, I was asked if I would be joint admin for the group. I nervously agreed to try. With WAY’s support, so far it’s going well. 

---

WAY Book Club is unique in that it has active groups on the Members Hub and Facebook as well as monthly Zooms. I look forward to hosting the Zooms each month. Some members are regulars and attend every month. It’s lovely having them as it builds rapport & friendship. We’ve also had new members join and it’s nice to welcome them too. 

Unlike other book clubs, there is no set book. We are people who share a love of reading, in any format, whether it’s the back of the cereal box or the complete works of Shakespeare. You can join in as much or as little as you want. Children are more than welcome. Bring a pen & paper to write down recommendations, but it’s fine if you miss a few as I share them on Facebook & Members Hub afterwards.

There is friendly chat about reading and you’ll find lot of recommendations no matter what you like to read, and in whatever format. We’ve talked about books, ebooks, (e) audiobooks & podcasts.”