A SCHEME where primary school children read stories over the phone to older people in their community has been praised by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Silver Stories was founded by Torpoint headteacher Elisabeth Carney-Haworth and her husband David.

As well as building children’s confidence as they learn to read, the project bridges the gap between the generations and is helping to tackle loneliness amongst elderly people – who, at this time, may be feeling particularly isolated.

Silver stories readers, with the help of their school or a parent, are connected with ’silver listeners’. A child will usually read a short story or a poem to the same person down the phone at a regular time each week.

The project was initially run in the Torpoint area, but during the coronavirus lockdown it has gained nationwide popularity, as Elisabeth explains: ’Silver Stories was about to be launched nationally when the pandemic hit. Rather than do nothing, we realised that there were millions of children at home who needed to continue with their reading, and have purpose in their week, and that there were even more elderly people lonely and self isolating, so we tried to link the two.

’Silver Stories reached and reacted to the needs of both parties and fantastic relationships have already begun to grow. As schools return, we hope that many more of them will become involved and enable their children and their community to participate in Silver Stories.’

Now the Carney-Haworths have been recognised in the Prime Minister’s ’Points of Light’ awards, which highlight outstanding volunteers and the work they do to bring real change in their communities.

In a letter to the couple, Boris Johnson wrote: ’I was so enthralled to hear about the brilliance of your Silver Stories initiative.

’The idea of primary school children or “silver readers” telephoning elderly “silver listeners” and reading them a poem or a short story is an ingenious way of combining literacy education with the positive engagement of elderly people.

’At a time when the necessary shielding of many of our elderly has weighed deeply on our national consciousness, I am filled with admiration for your bridging of the intergenerational divide, tackling loneliness and isolation in a safe way.

’I wish you every possible success as you continue to expand your programme.’

Elisabeth and David say they are thrilled that Silver Stories has been recognised: the scheme is simple and easy to set up, they say, but creates magic between the generations.

David said: “The importance of this recognition can be summed up in the words of Silver Listener 89-year-old Betty.

“It really is the highlight of my week,” she said, “because I don’t see anyone now. “There’s no-one to give you a hug or anything, so these little voices make up for that. “It is a great pleasure for me that Silver Stories is being recognised in this way.”

To find out more about Silver Stories and how to get involved visit www.silverstories.co.uk