Back to school – Leatherhead care home residents read bedtime stories to local children

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

Leatherhead may seem a little quieter than usual after residents from Care UK’s Liberham Lodge, on Rectory Lane, visited The Howard Nursery, in Bookham, to read famous children’s tales to the local youngsters. 

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.

Ready for their afternoon of reading, children from The Howard Nursery dressed in their comfiest pyjamas and brought along their favourite teddy bears. 

Commenting on the afternoon, resident Merlyn Bashford, said: “This was such a wonderful afternoon! I thoroughly enjoyed having the opportunity to read to the littles ones and I know everyone is looking forward to the next reading session already.”

Jagpal Singh, General Manager at Liberham Lodge, said: “We were delighted to be invited by The Howard Nursery to read stories to local children. 

“Visits into the local community can be a wonderful opportunity for residents, encouraging new relationships to form and sparking conversations. Residents enjoyed spending time with their new young friends, and engaging them in the fun storytelling session. 

“We would like to thank The Howard Nursery for hosting us at their nursery and making us feel so welcome. The residents thoroughly enjoyed reading stories to the children.”

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

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Liberham Lodge incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The layout of the home has been configured to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.

To find out more about Liberham Lodge, please email Vicky Radmore, Home Admissions Advisor on Victoria.Radmore@careuk.com, call 01372 887982 or visit careuk.com/liberham-lodge