A novel idea – Stockport care home residents read bedtime stories to local children

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

Stockport may seem a little quieter than usual after residents from Care UK’s Ladybrook Manor, on Dairyground Road, welcomed children from Railway Nursery Bramhall into the home for a special retelling of the Three Billy Goats Gruff. 

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 Ladybrook Manor, resident Edward Underwood, read to the children using his best character voices. Known for often telling a story to residents and team members, the children watched as Edward brought the characters to life by acting out key scenes from the book.

Susan Cameron, General Manager at Ladybrook Manor, said: “We always enjoy opening our doors to the local community, so it was fantastic to be joined by children from Railway Nursery Bramhall. 

“Intergenerational activities are incredibly enriching for young and older people alike, and this activity provided 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 well-known tale. 

“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

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Ladybrook Manor, which remains open to potential residents, incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities. The building has been configured into a series of neighbourhoods to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among the residents.

For more information on Ladybrook Manor, please call Director of Community Relations, John Harrison on 0161 826 7641, email John.Harrison@careuk.com or visit careuk.com/ladybrook-manor