Flat stanley, a much-loved children’s book character, goes on a tour to visit local care home residents

Residents at Elm Grove Bupa Care Home in Cirencester have recently embarked on a journey to connect with fellow Bupa residents across the UK, inspired by the much loved 1960’s children’s book character; Flat Stanley.

Residents at Elm Grove created a paper cut out of the iconic character and have sent him on his travels to Ashley House Care Home and Druid Stroke Care Home in a bid to build community spirit between the neighbouring homes. Care home residents and staff have been mapping his journey through taking fun photos throughout his travels, sparking joy for the residents keenly following his adventure.

Organised by Katherine Reynolds, Activity Co-ordinator at Elm Grove, the tour was designed after residents expressed their enthusiasm for the Flat Stanley books from their childhood. The quirky paper cut out was sent with a letter explaining his adventure, complete with a cut out of his paper passport, an egg sandwich, and milk in a tin. One resident, Jacqueline Shepherd aged 88, commented: “We have all had great fun watching where Flat Stanley has gone on his travels to different care homes. I loved reading Flat Stanley to my own children, so it has brought back lots of wonderful memories. It is lovely to get updates on where he has gone and hope he is bringing as much joy to others as he has to me!”

Katherine Reynolds, Activity Co-ordinator at Elm Grove commented: “My family introduced me to the story about Flat Stanley several years ago, my children loved the story. Schools in the USA sent cut outs of Stanley to other schools to build community spirit so I thought it would be great to do this with local care homes. We have all had a brilliant time and it has been great to follow Flat Stanley on his journey across the country.”

Residents from Elm Grove Bupa Care Home and Druid Stroke Bupa Care Home are looking forward to seeing where Stanley goes next on his adventure. Elm Grove Bupa Care Home is situated in Cirencester and welcomes residents in need of nursing care, including those living with dementia. For further information, please visit https://www.bupa.co.uk/care-services