A heartwarming scheme that pairs little ones to read to pensioners wants more care home residents to get involved.
A Trafford home care provider is looking for older people to join Silver Stories, which sees children telephone ‘Sliver Listeners’ and read stories to them once a week.
Silver Stories was launched back in 2015 by retired headteacher Elizabeth Carney Haworth and her husband David, to tackle the loneliness felt by older people, and improve inter-generational relations as well as the well-being of the older generation.
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The scheme matches children with Silver Listeners, connecting the generations through stories and poems as well as building children’s confidence and complimenting their schooling.
Care provider Trustcare – part of Trafford Housing Trust – and Silver Stories have now joined forces to recruit more ‘Silver Listeners’.
Joyce Bowett of Newhaven, Timperley, is one of seven Trustcare customers who was very keen to become a Silver Listener.
Joyce said: “For many years I went to Heyes Lane School in Timperley to listen to the pupils reading, so when this opportunity of becoming a Silver Listener came along, I jumped at the chance to feel I was doing something to help others.”
Joyce, who has been linked with two children, 10-year-old Ralf and Alexandra, 11, from a school in the South of England, said: “Being in my 80s now I am unable to drive, and my mobility is not as good, so I miss so much doing what I’ve always enjoyed doing, helping others.
“I look forward to every Thursday and listening to Alexandra and Ralf and how they are growing in confidence and expression.
“I love our wonderful friendship that has developed and the interaction of the generations. The children are extremely well-mannered, beautifully spoken and just delightful young people.
“I really enjoy our time together and definitely recommend becoming a Silver Listener.
“There is a real feeling of satisfaction, a real sense of doing something helpful, friendship and company. Listening to Alexandra and Ralf read every Thursday is the highlight of my week.”
Eleven-year-old Alexandra said: “It is a pleasure to read a story, or a poem, to Joyce. I enjoy listening to her wisdom.”
Ralf, 10, who loves football, added: “Joyce is the best, and I look forward to every Thursday.”
Silver Listeners are in great company, too, as the Duchess of Cornwall became a patron of the charity late last year.
Hannah Turner from Silver Stories said: “We’re so pleased to be working alongside Trafford Housing Trust and Trustcare to welcome new Silver Listeners.
“As a charity, we match listeners to young readers. Through the art of storytelling and weekly conversation, we see intergenerational relationships develop and flourish in a way that helps both sides to feel more connected.”
If you’re interested in becoming a Silver Listener or would like to read more about the charity, you can visit http://www.silverstories.co.uk.
Read more about Trafford issues on our MyTrafford page.
