Children at Exwick Heights Primary School, part of our family of schools, are now working with the charity Silver Stories. There are three Silver Readers taking part from Exwick Heights Primary School all in Year 5.

Silver Stories is a charity based in Cornwall, which was created by retired police sergeant David Carney-Haworth OBE and retired primary school Head Elisabeth Carney-Haworth OBE.  Children, “Silver Readers”, telephone older people, “Silver Listeners”, to read to them once a week. 

After every ten reading sessions, Silver Readers can download a certificate which can be displayed in their schools. By linking readers to older people by telephone, the aim is to combat the loneliness and isolation that can be felt by older people, to create intergenerational relationships and to offer children a richer reading experience. 

Exwick Heights Primary School has a high regard for the moral, spiritual and social education of children and they achieve their caring ethos by partnering with charities such Silver Stories. 

Mrs Gemma Wills, Headteacher at Exwick Heights Primary School said:

“I am delighted that we are now working with Silver Stories here at Exwick Heights. I am so proud of our ‘Silver Readers’ and the positive impact they are having on the lives of others.  It’s brilliant to see them so excited to plan what they are going to read and to hear about the chats they have with their ‘Silver Listeners.’ 

Mike Hunter, resident at Cadogan Court, Exeter said:

‘I feel very privileged to partake as a ‘Silver Listener’ in the reading by the schoolchildren. I enjoy it immensely and feel it can only help to improve their skills and outlook on life generally. I will always be free to do this and whatever I can to help the school in the future.’  

Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust said:

“Everyone at the trust is thrilled that Exwick Heights are supporting the Silver Stories charity. Volunteering work such as this teaches children so much about the world and how to become informed, compassionate citizens.  I want to say a huge well done to the ‘Silver Readers’ for taking part in this brilliant and touching initiative.”