“There’s no such thing as a Gruffalo!”– Sutton Coldfield care home residents read bedtime stories to local children

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

Sutton Coldfield may seem a little quieter than usual after residents from Care UK’s Bishops Manor, on Jockey Road, welcomed Little Ripley’s Nursery into the home’s lounge for retelling of the Gruffalo. 

 

Home Manager, Sarah Diamond read the story, while residents helped with the sound effects. They were joined by two giant teddy bears who helped create a cosy atmosphere for the children. The team also served hot chocolate topped with mini marshmallows and freshly baked cookies.

The children were also able to meet 101-year-old World War Two veteran Denzil Cooper, who shared some memories about his time in service as a pilot.

Denzil said: “The session was wonderful, and we all look forward to the youngsters returning soon. I’ve found that reading is good for the soul and evokes the most magical memories, reading most definitely improved and enhanced both my comprehension and my vocabulary.”

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.

Sarah Diamond, General Manager at Bishops Manor said: “We’ve had a wonderful week of storytelling here at Bishops Manor. Whether it’s Peter Pan flying us to Neverland or Alice taking us down the rabbit hole, children’s literature is often the first key to unlocking our imaginations and nurturing a lifelong love of reading – so it was great to welcome Little Ripley’s Nursery into the home.

“We all remember stories told to us as children, often before bedtime, and find comfort in adulthood in these nostalgic memories. We’re thrilled Care UK has launched the bedtime stories initiative – it’s wonderful to have children benefiting from residents reading them stories both in our home and right across the UK with the fantastic videos.

“It has been heart-warming to see the residents share stories from their own childhood and read a telling of The Gruffalo with the children. We look forward to welcoming the children back to Bishops Manor very 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, Bishops Manor, incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The building has been designed to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.