Feel the rhythm, feel the rhyme – it’s poetry time at Weald Heights

National Poetry Day is an annual celebration that inspires people throughout the UK to enjoy, discover and share poems. This year, the team at Weald Heights will open its doors from 11am - 12 noon for a morning of word play and rhyming fun.

Residents and guests will be celebrating the day by reading a number of their favourite poems and rhymes aloud. They will also be joined by St Thomas’ Catholic Primary School to mark the occasion with poetry writing.

In preparation for the event, residents are being encouraged to get their creative juices flowing by putting pen to paper to create their very own short verses and poems, as part of Care UK’s nationwide poetry competition. 

Home manager, Maria Covington, at Weald Heights said: “We’re joining in with National Poetry Day this year to promote the enjoyment, discovery and sharing of poetry across all age groups. Everyone has a favourite poem which has inspired them at some point in their life, and we want to encourage people in the local community to come together and share their favourites – or perhaps even some that they have written themselves. 

“Reading poems, or being read to, can have many therapeutic benefits, especially for older people, including increasing social interaction, encouraging creativity and reducing anxiety. Poetry can even stimulate memories, encouraging reminiscence, which is incredibly beneficial for older people, particularly those living with dementia.

“We are really looking forward to hosting our National Poetry Day event, and hope the local community will join us for a day of rhyming fun.”