Care home residents have taken inspiration from a 1960s fictional character as they embark on a challenge to connect with their loved ones around the world.

Residents living at Apthorp Care Centre in Barnet are taking part in the Around the World challenge to mark this year’s National Care Home Open Day celebrations.

As part of the activity, residents were introduced to a paper cut-out character called Stanley, who appears in Jeff Brown’s 1964 children’s books, Flat Stanley.

Stanley was flattened in his sleep by a board that fell off the wall, but he saw this as an advantage because he could slip into an envelope and be posted to friends around the world.

The residents at Apthorp Care Centre were inspired by the story and sent cut-outs of Stanley to their family and friends overseas, along with a letter asking them to write about their life, take a photo of Stanley at famous landmarks and mail it back to the centre.

Residents at the home have posted Stanley to America, India, Italy, Guyana, Jamaica, Mauritius, Spain, Romania, Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

Photographs of Stanley’s adventures and the destinations he reaches will be displayed at the home for everyone to see during National Care Home Open Day on Friday, June 20. 

Jacqui Shuttleworth, manager at Apthorp Care Centre, said:  “We hope that the Around the World challenge will give people insight into what it’s like in other countries, as well as providing some fun and laughter for everyone looking at Stanley’s adventures on National Care Home Open Day.

“It’s also a great opportunity for our residents, who are no longer able to travel great distances, to reach new horizons.”