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

Residents at a care home in Shinfield have been reading well-known bedtime stories to local children as part of a nationwide initiative to celebrate National Storytelling Week. 

Shinfield may seem a little quieter than usual after residents from Parsons Grange, on Westall Street, welcomed residents’ grandchildren into the home for a special story telling session. 

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.

Jennifer Davies, a resident at Parsons Grange, said: “I was beaming when the children came in and it was magical spending time with the little ones. Livy, who is five, insisted on reading her favourite book to me, ‘We are Going on a Bear Hunt’. It made my day.” 

Rozina Ali, Home Manager at Parsons Grange, said: “We see many of the residents’ grandchildren when they visit their loved ones, so these reading sessions were a wonderful way to spend time with familiar faces.

“Reading stories aloud to a small audience of listeners required the residents to use skills they might not have utilised for some time. By using a variety of voices and different sounds they really brought the characters to life and were able to hold the attention of the children. Not only was the session very heart-warming, but it was fantastic for boosting the residents’ confidence. 

“It was wonderful to spend quality time with the younger generation of visitors who come to the home on a regular basis, and we know we will be seeing them again soon.”

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

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Parsons Grange care home has been designed with residents in mind. The home has plenty of space for leisure and hobby activities as well as a café, hair salon, bar and a cinema for residents to enjoy. 

To find out more information about Parsons Grange, contact Customer Relations Manager, Claire Usher, on claire.usher@careuk.com or call 0118 391 3294.