A retirement living scheme has launched a new community library that is bringing the joy of reading to its residents while supporting specialist palliative and bereavement support provider Compton Care.

Corsers Court retirement living scheme in Perton has stocked a new mobile library for residents with books purchased at the nearby store of the charity.

The initiative was inspired by Corsers Court resident Ros, who wanted to find a way to make books more accessible while giving back to a local charity close to the community’s heart.

Explaining how the idea came about, Ros said: “The idea for the mobile library came as some residents here aren’t able to access the local library. Some have mobility difficulties, some are a bit anxious about going out, and many are less inclined to visit the local library during the darker months. Now they have lots of books at their fingertips, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

The library will operate as a mobile service, allowing books to be taken directly to residents’ front doors for them to browse at their leisure. Once books have been enjoyed, they can be donated back to the Compton Care shop and replaced with new titles, creating a sustainable cycle that benefits both residents and the charity.

Rose Slater, Activities Coordinator at the scheme, said: “I am so proud of the residents here at Corsers Court for coming together with this initiative. We are looking forward to delivering the mobile library and helping residents enjoy access to a wonderful range of books.”

The library was officially opened by Councillor Sue Beardsmore, Chair of Perton Parish Council, who praised the initiative as “a real benefit to wellbeing and community spirit.”

The partnership will be further developed with the Compton Care store hosting a pop-up shopping experience at the scheme, enabling residents who are unable to access the local shops to enjoy browsing and purchasing items close to home.

Aaron Smith, Head of Retail at Compton Care, praised the partnership and the generosity of the Corsers Court community. He said: “Our stores are at the heart of the communities they serve, and it’s wonderful to see this partnership taking shape in Perton with the both the library and the upcoming pop-up store at the scheme.

“This initiative demonstrates how a simple community idea can make a lasting difference by bringing people together, promoting wellbeing and independence, and supporting a local charity.  We are delighted to be involved and grateful for the support shown to our Perton store, which raises vital funds for local people living with life limiting conditions and their families”.

Every year, generous donors and supportive shoppers of Compton Care’s stores help to raise vital funds for the charity which provides specialist palliative and end of life care to people in the local community.

Compton Care supports local people living with life limiting conditions through its range of specialist services, including clinical care on its Inpatient Unit. It also supports patients out in the community, providing compassionate, expert care in the place they call home. Patients’ families also have access to the charity’s services and bereavement support.

Click here for more information about Compton Care’s vibrant community stores.