Sheltered housing scheme residents get stuck into World Book Night

Published by Maike Riedel for Circle in Housing and also in Communities

Residents across Haringey celebrated World Book Night yesterday by enjoying a good read.

Specialist care and support provider, Circle Support, part of the Circle Housing Group, promoted the event and the benefits of reading by providing hundreds of free books to residents.

At Swallow House, in Wood Green, book loving residents were provided with their copies of the novel Rebecca, by Daphne du Maurier, one of the official World Book Night titles.

Swallow House resident Jean Hurtt, age 82, said: “This is a lovely idea. I saw the original 1940 film directed by Alfred Hitchcock and can’t wait to get my teeth into the book.” Fellow resident Beryl Dyer, age 61, added: “I usually prefer non fiction books but I’m really looking forward to a change.”

More books were handed out during the day to residents at other sheltered housing schemes across the boroughs as part of the national event.

Commenting on the reasons for supporting World Book Night, resident involvement manager Sue Wardell, said: “We are really pleased to be part of World Book Night. Reading is fun and keeps peoples’ minds active. By giving residents some new books, we want to encourage them to read more and share their passion for books with others. It was great to see everyone grabbing a book at Swallow House and getting into it over a cup of tea.”

To continue the benefits of World Book Night, residents are encouraged to set up book clubs to discover new books and share their thoughts on books with others.

Swallow House sheltered housing scheme offers a wide range of support services for older people to enable them to maintain an independent lifestyle, including help with benefit claims and finances, gaining access to other services, advice, advocacy and much more. The friendly team also helps to facilitate social activities for residents and the local community.