Residents at Bradeley Village get a surprise visit from a local school giving back to their community

Students from a local school visited an independent living village this week to read to residents and give them gifts to share kindness in the community.

Year seven students from Haywood Academy in Burslem visited Bradeley Village to read a poem and give out flowers to residents to brighten their days.

The special day saw students enter a poetry competition, with the winning entries read out to residents at local over 55s villages across Stoke-on-Trent.

Teacher Jonathan Courts said it was a way of encouraging the children to give something back to their local community and the older generation.

“Our students visited Bradeley Village to help brighten the resident’s days”, said Jonathon.

“Leon won the competition with his entry about spring and said he was very proud to have the winning poem.”

(Poetry competition winner Leon)

Bradeley Village resident Doreen Peach attended and said it was lovely to see the next generation get involved and want to give something back.

“It’s nice and refreshing to see the younger generation out in their community making a difference”, said Doreen.

“We’re all about community here at Bradeley Village, as everyone comes together to support each other. It’s great to have the wider community involved too.”

(Resident Dorreen holding her plant and poem)

Independent Living Manager at Bradeley Village, Michila Goodwin, said there was a great turn out and residents loved the morning.

“It was so lovely to have the pupils at the village. The residents appreciated hearing the poetry and enjoyed the flowers”, said Michila.

“It made their days. The flowers are a nice reminder of the morning and will make them smile each time they see them.”

Michila says that bringing communities together like this is one of the ways Staffs Housing makes sure people have a place they are proud to call home.

“We’re always looking for ways to bring communities and people together, both in and outside the village,” added Michila.

“It’s lovely to have this partnership with the school, and we look forward to working with them again on any future community projects.”