Page 60 • The HERALD • 20th November 2025 v SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SPECIALISTS v WE CARE, YOU CARE christinashomecare@hotmail.com Fully Qualified, Insured and Enhanced DBS Call me for a friendly informal chat to discuss whatever you or your loved ones needs are on 07579 766797 Christina’s Home Care Professional Independent Carer Covering Waterside and New Forest LOCAL CARE HOME RESIDENTS WELCOME SCHOOL CHILDREN TO SHARE A LOVE OF READING Residents from Maypole Care Home and children from Moorlands Primary School have come together to share a love of stories and reading, with a focus on nature and the environment, as part of the ‘Reading for the Planet’ initiative, a partnership between Bupa Foundation and the National Literacy Trust. Reading for pleasure supports a child’s reading skills, wellbeing, empathy, con dence, and aptitude for learning[1], but the latest research from the National Literacy Trust shows only 1 in 3 children and young people aged 8 - 18 enjoy reading in their free time.[2] ‘Reading for the Planet’, funded by the Bupa Foundation and Bupa Care Services, works to change this story by o ering children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to discover a love of stories and reading through engaging planet-themed events that connect them with their community, as well as a diverse collection of free books to choose from and take home. Similarly, meaningful social interactions and positive relationships have been shown to boost wellbeing in elderly people, as well as stave o loneliness and even possibly slow cognitive decline[3]. At the event at Maypole Care Home, children and residents had an engaging natured-themed storytelling session with professional storyteller John Hughes. ey also decorated bird houses and bird-feeding stations together, which will be hung up in Maypole’s important activity for the next generation.” Juby Joseph, Home Manager at Maypole Care Home, commented: “Our residents love spending time with children, they bring such energy to the home and reading is an activity that everyone can enjoy together. We’re so pleased to be involved with this partnership at Maypole, we strive to provide the highest quality care for our residents and play an active role in the local community. Seeing the children and our residents bond over the joy of reading and caring for the environment has been so wonderful and rewarding in many ways.” “Reading is a powerful way to bring people together and reading for pleasure has a huge host of benefits, including supporting both education and wellbeing,” said Nick Oram, Programme Manager of the Young Readers Programme at the National Literacy Trust. “Sharing stories and being able to choose your own books from a diverse collection is a crucial part of inspiring children to read, and we’re so excited to put both of those things into practice with Bupa.” [1] literacytrust.org.uk/research-services/research-reports/childrenand-young-peoples-reading-in-2024/ [2] literacytrust.org.uk/research-services/research-reports/childrenand-young-peoples-reading-in-2025/ [3] www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/ mind-body/staying-sharp/looking-after-your-thinking-skills/socialconnections-and-the-brain/ Moorlands Primary School children sharing books with residents from Maypole Care Home children. It reminded me of reading to my Nieces and Nephews when they were little. The children told me about their favourite stories, and I shared my favourite books as a child. I’m looking forward to seeing the children again and hearing about their progress with their reading, it’s a very garden and the playground of Moorlands. Finally, each child chose a nature-themed book to take home and keep, and time was spent sharing their book with residents at the home. Both the care home and school were gi ed a collection of nature-themed books for their library, and, later this year, children will be inviting the residents from Maypole back to their school for a nal fun reading event, where children will get to choose another book to take home and keep. George Vidler “I had a lovely time reading with the Hythe Huddle Hythe Huddle, the drop in support group for people living with dementia and their carers, organised by Families Matter, meet on the first Wednesday of each month from 2pm to 4pm at Cornerstone URC, Hythe SO45 6BR. Activities are planned throughout the year including arts and cra s, entertainment and games. Hythe Huddle sessions also provide advice, community and support. eir next meeting is on Wednesday 3rd December for their Christmas Party. Refreshments are available, kindly donated by Tesco. For more information call: 023 8020 7623 or email: o ce.fm.hurc@gmail.com
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