Kingston Vale care home residents read stories to local children for National Storytelling Week

 

Residents at a care home in Kingston Vale have been reading children’s books with youngsters from the local school to celebrate National Storytelling Week.

Sharing their love of reading, residents from Care UK’s Sherwood Grange, on Robin Hood Lane, welcomed children from Park Hill School into the home to read some beloved stories together as part of the nationwide initiative.

The children sat with the residents, who had been practicing their best character voices, to enjoy a retelling of popular children’s tales including ‘The Lost Voice’ and ‘What a Journey!’

After reading, residents and children had a chance to chat over refreshments. 

Commenting on the afternoon, Bridget Miller, 87, said: “It was lovely to see the children. They are so enthusiastic when they come to Sherwood Grange, it really makes my day. 

“I love to listen to them read and it is great to see children excited about reading books.”

Malgo Wcislo, Home Manager at Sherwood Grange, said: “We’ve had a wonderful week of storytelling here at Sherwood Grange. Children’s literature is key to unlocking imaginations and nurturing a lifelong love of reading, so it was great to welcome the children from Park Hill School’s nursery into the home.

“Intergenerational relationships can be incredibly beneficial for 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 very soon for more fun activities!”

Sherwood Grange has been designed to encourage residents to live active and fulfilling lives, while remaining as independent as possible in a safe environment. The state-of-the-art care home features a cinema, hair and beauty salon and café, and incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies. The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.