Eston School Children Join Care Home Residents for Reading Fun

Astune Rise care home in Eston welcomed children from Whale Hill primary school as part of the nationwide Silver Stories project.

Every week youngsters from the nearby school will take it in turn reading to residents and chatting and exchanging stories.

The nine-year-olds -Rosajean and Penny – read The Zebra who was Sad, The Hippo who was Happy and The Tiger who was Angry to residents Betty, Tom and another Betty. The more than hour long visit also brought lots of laughter to the group with the children feeling particularly important with their specially made ‘staff’ name badges.

Silver Stories is a charity based in Cornwall that encourages intergenerational relationships by encouraging children to read stories over the phone to residents in care homes. Astune Rise’s manager Caroline Bowstead was delighted that the pupils visited the home in person to allow them much more personal interaction with the residents.

The project aims to build strong bonds between care home residents and children and build the youngsters reading skills and confidence.

Caroline Bowstead, manager at Astune Rise care home, said:
“Both Bettys and Albert were elated with the visit from the children. They stayed for more than an hour, and all had a great time.

“Seeing everyone involved enjoying the experience and knowing that we’re helping to build a stronger community is very rewarding. The residents can’t wait for the next visit.

“Thank you to Whale Hill School for the opportunity and to the children for reading so entertainingly.”

Katherine Laverick, lead pastoral care and wellbeing at Whale Hill School in Eston said:
“We think that this is such a fantastic opportunity to build the children’s confidence with reading and to have a unique experience when it comes to education.

“They all thoroughly enjoyed visiting Astune Rise and are excited for their next visit.

“The children were thrilled with the whole visit, John even asked one of our teachers to look after his name badge so he wouldn’t lose it!”