Maidstone care home residents joined by local youngsters for World Book Day

 

Residents at a care home in Maidstone brought colourful storybooks to life with their best character voices, as they celebrated World Book Day with local children.

Care UK’s Invicta Court, on Gidd's Pond Way, welcomed children from the Little Bears Nursery from Leigh Academy, in Bearsted, into the home to read classic fairytales with the residents, for a fun-filled activity in honour of World Book Day.

Residents took it in turns to take a seat on the giant enchanted storyteller’s throne in the special reading corner that the team had created to help immerse the children in the fantastical world of the tales.

Commenting on the day, Invicta Court resident Jessie, aged 92, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed reading to the children; they were very responsive, and it was a pleasure. I used to teach English to 11–16-year-olds but really enjoyed reading to the youngsters. Teaching was always a pleasure for me, and my favourite book is Pride & Prejudice.”

Sara Barbosa, Home Manager at Invicta Court, said: “We had a wonderful time reading stories with the children. Both the residents and children enjoyed reading and hearing the stories, and the afternoon brought back memories for some residents of reading to their own children and grandchildren.

“Here at Invicta Court, we understand how beneficial intergenerational relationships can be for both younger and older people. They can provide a sense of purpose and improve wellbeing, while providing an opportunity for both generations to interact, learn from one another and form meaningful connections.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to the children from Little Bears Nursery for celebrating World Book Day with us.”