Ovingham: Wellburn Care Homes launches 'Book Fairy' project

The initiative aims to give back to the communities surrounding Wellburn’s care homes and encourage a love of reading <i>(Image: Supplied)</i>
The initiative aims to give back to the communities surrounding Wellburn’s care homes and encourage a love of reading (Image: Supplied)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

A care home group is spreading festive cheer with a surprise literary twist.

Wellburn Care Homes, which has a site in Ovingham, has launched its Book Fairy campaign, which sees free books left in public places across the North East and North Yorkshire for people to find and enjoy.

The initiative aims to give back to the communities surrounding Wellburn’s care homes and encourage a love of reading.

Rachel Beckett, chairman at Wellburn Care Homes, said: "When the team approached me with the idea of the Book Fairy initiative, I couldn’t have been more excited.

"We pride ourselves on sitting within the heart of our local communities, and are always grateful for their support, so when we get the chance to give something back, then I’m all for it.

"And if we can sprinkle a little extra Christmas magic, then even better."

The Book Fairy has already been busy delivering joy, with the campaign set to continue into the new year and beyond.

Books are chosen for people of all ages and reading abilities, designed to make each find an opportunity to rediscover the joy of reading..

From timeless family favourites to clothbound classics, each book offers a new adventure.

To keep the project sustainable, Wellburn’s head office team has been sourcing books from local charity shops and independent booksellers.

These hidden book gifts are being left in locations such as schools, parks, and monuments—places within easy reach of Wellburn Care’s various homes.

With Wellburn Care Homes operating 16 care homes across the region, reaching as far north as Berwick and as far south as York, a spokesperson said "Wellburn’s Book Fairy will be kept busy this Christmas."

The Book Fairy campaign is intended as a thank you to the communities that have welcomed and supported their residents and staff.

The company is encouraging schools, community groups, and businesses to get involved.

Those interested can email the team at Wellburn Care Homes.

Updates and stories from the Book Fairy’s travels can be found on Wellburn’s Instagram and Facebook channels.

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos