Story time adventures for all generations

Young readers and budding authors in Crewe have been enjoying story time with an intergenerational twist, sharing the delights of the literary world with older people residing at the Belong care village who have been supporting their speaking, reading, and writing development.

Year two pupils, aged six and seven-years-old, from Gainsborough Primary and Nursery School visited the Brookhouse Drive care village to read their favourite books, with the residents listening to their young guests and helping them with unknown words, whilst bringing the tales to life, together. The children also took the opportunity to present their creative ideas, impressing their new friends with their own personally penned adventures.

Speaking of meeting the residents, pupil Amber said: "I liked Alf because he helped me with my tricky words." Francesca added: "The lady I read with was funny because she kept making me laugh!”

The visit aimed to champion the pleasure of reading for National Storytelling Week and the upcoming World Book Day, whilst Belong Crewe’s relationship with the school and nursery forms part of their wider strategy to promote intergenerational relationships in its award-winning approach to specialist dementia care. 

Jess Butler, experience coordinator at Belong Crewe, said: “Our customers tell us how much they value imparting their skills and life experience with younger generations and the sense of purpose it gives them. Reading helps us to learn about different people, cultures and places, and our goal was to engender this with an age-inclusive session, full of teamwork, companionship and an increased sense of belonging to the community.”  

Sharon Webster-Smith, teaching assistant at Gainsborough Primary and Nursery School, added: “Our year two pupils thoroughly enjoyed their recent visit to Belong Crewe. Gainsborough Primary and Nursery School embraces opportunities to connect with the wider community and we are looking forward to our next collaborative project with Belong.  It is always a pleasure to spend time with the residents and their carers; we always receive a wonderfully warm welcome."

The news follows Belong Crewe’s recent launch of Across the Generations, an intergenerational stay-and-play session for local children up to age 5, and their grown-ups. The free monthly meetups offer quality time with older people alongside a programme of activities, including singing, arts and crafts and storytelling.