Care home in appeal for storytellers

CARE home residents are appealing for storytellers to join them in a series of special reading events.

Bupa is celebrating National Storytelling Week – from January 26 until February 2 – by asking members of the public to read out stories and poems.

The annual event, in its third year, aims to increase awareness in the value of sharing stories.

Siobhan Drane, Bupa’s community and partnerships executive, said: “We are urging anyone who has a favourite fable, poem or even their very own story to share, to get in touch and help us make this the best Storytelling Week yet.

“Our residents love listening to stories and this is a great way to get members of the local community involved and bring different generations together.

“Hopefully these events will help maintain the ancient art of storytelling and encourage people to keep the tradition alive.”

Emma Gibbons, older people’s project manager at charity The Reader Organisation, added: “Reading poetry and stories aloud certainly has a positive effect on older people’s state of mind, so this appeal is a fantastic way of getting others to join in with a simple, yet therapeutic, pastime.”