A story that’s plot on – Kidderminster care home residents read bedtime stories to local school children

Residents at a care home in Kidderminster have been reading classic bedtime stories to local primary school children as part of a nationwide initiative to celebrate National Storytelling Week. 

Kidderminster may seem a little quieter than usual after residents from Care UK’s Brook Court, on Oldnall Road, welcomed Foley Park Primary Academy into the home’s lounge for a retelling of Mog on Fox Night by Judith Kerr.

To celebrate National Storytelling Week, Care UK has created the Bedtime Stories initiative which sees residents across the UK read classic bedtime stories to young children. The campaign, which includes the launch of four free videos of residents reading famous stories, ensures children who may not have a grandparent do not miss out on a magical tale before bedtime.

At Brook Court, 91-year-old resident, Anne Capewell, read the popular story to the local primary school children. Anne said: “I enjoyed spending time reading to the children – it was like being back at school and brought back such lovely memories.” 

Shirley Gibbs, Home Manager at Brook Court, said: We always enjoy opening our doors to the local community, so it was fantastic to be joined by Foley Park Primary Academy pupils. 

“Intergenerational activities are incredibly enriching for all ages and provide a fantastic opportunity for residents and children to interact with one another. The youngsters were able to soak up a wonderful story and the residents benefited from gaining a different perspective from the children on a popular story. It’s fantastic to host a session such as this to allow the two generations to spend time with one another.

“We thoroughly enjoyed hosting the Bedtime Stories reading session with the children and hope that we have helped them to continue building a love of reading.”

To watch four Bedtime Stories read by Care UK residents, or for more information about the Bedtime Stories initiative, visit: careuk.com/bedtime-stories

Brook Court is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The care home, which features 67 en-suite bedrooms, has been designed to enable its residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hairdressing salon and café.

To find out more about Brook Court, please call on 01562 814 715, email Customer Relations Manager, Kay Mayes, on kay.mayes@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/brook-court