Un-bear-lievably cute – Stratford-upon-Avon care home residents read classic stories to local children

Residents at a care home in Stratford-upon-Avon have created their very own Paddington Station to read very well-known stories to local children.

Team members at Care UK’s Ambleside, on Evesham Road, pulled out all the stops to create a truly immersive storytelling experience for residents and local children to celebrate National Storytelling Week.

Residents welcomed team members’ children into the home for a retelling of A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond. The special setting, which had been created by residents and the lifestyle team, included a hand-drawn sketch of a train which residents helped to decorate and bring to life, along with photographs of Paddington Bear and teddies scattered around the station. 

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 Ambleside, 82-year-old resident, Rebecca Liddle, read the classic tale to the children as they gathered around in the home’s very own Paddington Station. Rebecca said: “Reading to the children was amazing – it helps children’s imagination and a good book can transport you to a different place.”

Julia Joy, Home Manager at Ambleside, said: “We’ve had a wonderful week of storytelling here at Ambleside. 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 the children to Ambleside to hear all about the adventures of Paddington. 

“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 fantastic to have children benefiting from residents reading them stories both in our home and right across the UK with the fantastic videos. 

“Intergenerational relationships and initiatives, like Bedtime Stories, can be incredibly beneficial to both younger and older people alike and can provide residents with a sense of wellbeing and purpose. 

“It has been heart-warming to see the residents share stories from their own childhood and read A Bear Called Paddington with local children in our very special setting. We look forward to welcoming the children back to Ambleside 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

Ambleside is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable its residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema, café and hair salon, and there is plenty of space, both indoors and out, for relaxation and recreation.

To find out more about Ambleside, please contact Customer Relations Manager, Staci Reeson on 01789 868 298, email staci.reeson@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/ambleside