A novel idea – Orpington care home residents read bedtime stories to local children

Residents at a care home in Orpington have been reading well-known bedtime stories to local school children as part of a nationwide initiative to celebrate National Storytelling Week. 

Orpington may seem a little quieter than usual after residents from Care UK’s Foxbridge House, on Sevenoaks Road, welcomed pupils from Darrick School into the home for a retelling of the children’s favourite books.  

To celebrate National Storytelling Week, Care UK has created the Bedtime Stories initiative which sees residents across the UK read classic bedtime stories to young children. The campaign, which includes the launch of four free videos of residents reading famous stories, ensures children who may not have a grandparent do not miss out on a magical tale before bedtime.

At Foxbridge House, team members asked pupils from Darrick School to bring along their favourite books. Commenting on the afternoon, 92-year-old resident, Marjorie Ford, a former Headteacher said: “This afternoon took me back to my days as a headteacher. I always loved reading to the children – it was my favourite part of the job.”

Stella Barnes, Home Manager at Foxbridge House, said: “We always enjoy opening our doors to the local community, so it was fantastic to be joined by Darrick School pupils. 

“Intergenerational activities are incredibly enriching for all ages and provide a fantastic opportunity for residents and children to interact with one another. The youngsters were able to soak up a wonderful story while the residents got to learn some new tales, while revisiting a few classics too. It’s fantastic to host a session such as this to allow the two generations to spend time with one another.

“We thoroughly enjoyed hosting the ‘Bedtime Stories’ reading session with the schoolchildren and hope that we have helped them to continue building a love of reading.”

To watch four Bedtime Stories read by Care UK residents, or for more information about the Bedtime Stories initiative, visit: careuk.com/bedtime-stories

The Care UK home has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. Foxbridge House provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The home has a wealth of facilities, including a hairdressers, beauty salon and a cinema.

For more information about Foxbridge House, please call Customer Relations Manager, Dorothy Ayonmike, on 01689 769 229, email dorothy.ayonmike@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/foxbridge-house