Care homes hit the books for World Read Aloud Day

Company news

Feb 15, 2017

Our care homes around the country are preparing to hit the books for a day of storytelling to celebrate World Read Aloud Day.

On Thursday 16^th February, Care UK teams nationwide will be opening their doors to local communities for the free screening our World Read Aloud Day film - featuring an international story teller.

The film will feature the Storyteller Laureate, Taffy Thomas MBE, performing a story and providing tips and advice for reading aloud. 

As well as a film premier to mark the occasion, Abney Court in Cheadle is creating a ‘Poetry Corner’ and ‘Short Story Corner’ in the care home’s family room, and the care team will be dressed up as their favourite story book characters.

Residents at Perry Manor in Worcester, are looking forward to spending the day with local pupils from Lypard Grange Primary School, who will be sharing their favourite stories with residents when they visit on Thursday 16^th February.

Priors House in Leamington Spa has also invited a local school to join the home for the occasion and will spend the afternoon with a class from Warwick School for a day of storytelling and afternoon tea.

World Read Aloud Day is an annual event which celebrates the importance of reading aloud and sharing stories, and it is celebrated by millions of people in more than 100 countries.

Home manager, Dave Connelly, explained why Haven Lodge is one of many Care UK care homes taking partaking part in World Read Aloud Day: “Reading aloud has many therapeutic benefits for older people. It is calming for those living with dementia, helpful for those with failing eyesight, and soothing for those unable to communicate. It is also an enjoyable activity that family and friends can do with their loved one when paying them a visit. 

“The film really brings to life the benefits of reading aloud. Taffy is an incredibly expressive storyteller, and he really transports listeners to the fictional worlds in his stories. We’re looking forward inviting special guests into the home for what we’re sure will be a delightful day of storytelling and opportunity to discuss favourite books and classic literature.”

Care UK teams in Hasltead and Hailsham, at Colne View and Bowes House, are using the opportunity to launch their own weekly book clubs, to encourage residents and loved ones to follow Taffy’s tips all year round.

We’ve teamed up with Taffy Thomas, patron of The Society for Storytelling to promote the therapeutic benefits of reading aloud to older people. Taffy is currently the most experienced English storyteller in the country, having performed globally with a repertoire of more than 300 stories.

Taffy Thomas MBE, said: “I’m thrilled to be supporting Care UK with this brilliant initiative to celebrate World Read Aloud Day. I want to help encourage people to share the benefits of storytelling and embrace the power of reading aloud, as no matter what their age or ability, this is an activity for all.

For more information on which Care UK homes are taking part in the World Read Aloud Day, please go to careuk.com/wrad.