Chingford care home residents joined by local youngsters for storytelling

Imaginations were running wild at Care UK’s Ivy Grove, on Hatch Lane, when children from Church of England primary school in Chingford were welcomed into the home for story time with residents.

The children, who had been practising their best character voices, sat with the residents and read to them, so that they could enjoy a retelling of famous childhood stories. The residents also got into character to read to the children and tell their own fairytales.

Commenting on the morning, 94-year-old resident, Laura Shirra, said: “It was lovely! The children did so well reading and they did all the voices. It reminded me of reading to my own grandchildren. I haven't laughed like that in ages.

“You know, when you get older, the world can shrink a bit. But a good story, and a child's imagination, that opens it right back up. Reading isn't just about words on a page, it's about sharing a moment, connecting with someone, and feeling alive again."

Jacob Mante, General Manager at Ivy Grove, said: “We’ve had a wonderful time reading stories here at Ivy Grove. Seeing the children enjoying reading so much and the residents creating their own fairytales for the youngsters was wonderful to see.

“Intergenerational relationships can be incredibly beneficial for both younger and older people and can provide residents with a sense of wellbeing and purpose—so we would like to extend our thanks to Church of England primary school in Chingford for visiting us here at Ivy Grove for World Book Day.”

Designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence, Ivy Grove provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care, and the home incorporates plenty of space for leisure activities and hobbies. The layout of the building has been configured to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities and encourage social interaction among residents, and the home has its own café and hair and beauty salon.