Bristol care home residents read bedtime stories to local children

Residents at a care home in Bristol have been reading well-known bedtime stories to local children as part of a nationwide initiative to encourage more young people to read. Residents from Care UK’s Trymview Hall, on Southmead Road, visited children from Lake House Day Nursery for a special reading of Jack and the Beanstalk.

Jean Poeton, 95, said: “I loved reading and acting out the characters to the children – it was wonderful to see their faces as the story came alive!”

Customer relations manager at Trymview Hall Nicola Wolff-Donitz said: “We were delighted to visit to read stories to the children.

“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 traditional story.

"It’s fantastic to host a session such as this to allow the two generations to spend time with one another. The residents thoroughly enjoyed reading stories to the children.”

Care UK 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.

Numerous studies and reports show that intergenerational care is mutually beneficial. While for children it benefits their education, it has been shown to have health benefits for older people and reduces loneliness.

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

https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/bristol-care-home-residents-read-8236214