Silversprings residents hit the books with school children and local author

Home news

Oct 22, 2018

Silversprings welcomed school children to the home for a day of reading with a local author. 

Year One pupils from St Thomas More Primary School joined residents for an interactive reading session with Colchester-based author, RJ (Robert) Thompson. 

Robert, who is also a police officer, was inspired to start writing by his daughter Bella and has since written and illustrated a series of children’s books called, ‘The Uncuddibles’. Having released four books already, the series is growing rapidly with many more additions on the horizon. 

The Care UK team at Silversprings invited Robert and the school children to the home to take part in an intergenerational session, reading aloud and sharing their thoughts on the stories.   

The Uncuddibles is a series of short stories following a group of unwanted bears that are given a lease of new life. The Uncuddibles use their special gifts to help others as they embark on adventures. 

Donna Cousins, home manager at Silversprings, said: “Reading aloud has many therapeutic benefits for older people – it’s calming for those living with dementia, helpful for those with failing eyesight, and soothing for those who struggle to communicate. 

“Here at Silversprings we regularly work with schools and local groups as we know how much the residents enjoy having the children around – it’s great to see both generations sharing their stories and memories with one another. 

“On behalf of the team, I’d like to say a huge thank you to Robert for coming along and sharing his fantastic stories with us, and thanks also to St Thomas More Primary School for helping to make the day so enjoyable. We would love to replicate these sessions in the near future!”