Stansted care home residents read stories to local youngsters

Residents at a care home in Stansted have been reading classic children’s books with local school children to celebrate National Storytelling Week.

Sharing their love of reading, residents from Care UK’s Mountfitchet House, on Coltsfield, welcomed children from Elsenham Primary School into the home to read some beloved stories together as part of the nationwide initiative.

Arriving in their best costumes, the children sat with the residents, who had been practicing their character voices, to enjoy a retelling of classic children’s tales including The Whale Who Wanted More, The Gruffalo and The Fox’s Socks.

Commenting on the afternoon, 93-year-old resident, Audrey, said: “I used to work at a school as a secretary and loved reading with the children then. I loved listening to the children read their favourite books and seeing their smiles brightened up my day!”

Joanna Duke, Home Manager at Mountfitchet House, said: “We’ve had a wonderful week of storytelling here at Mountfitchet House. Children’s literature is key to unlocking imaginations and nurturing a lifelong love of reading, so it was great to welcome Elsenham Primary School into the home.

“Intergenerational relationships can be incredibly beneficial to both younger and older people alike and can help provide residents with a stronger sense of wellbeing and purpose – it was heartwarming to see the residents reminiscing over their favourite childhood stories and characters.

“We’re already looking forward to welcoming the children back to Mountfitchet House very soon!”

Mountfitchet House is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia and short-term respite care. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.