Multiple Benefits as School and Care Home link for Activities
Nicholas House Care Home in Lent Rise Road is excited to announce a new association with Lent Rise Primary School and kicked off this new partnership with Christmas Carols on 8th December.
Pupils from the school joined residents at Nicholas House to sing a number of festive tunes including Jingle Bells, Merry Christmas Everyone, Its Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas and of course We Wish You A Merry Christmas.
A lot of the residents are not mobile and it is a real treat when youngsters visit from schools, brownies and choirs; they are all joyous sharing occasions; so this new connection is one the care home is very excited about.
Michele Valimaa, Care Home Manager, commented “The aim of this new venture allows and encourages young children to interact with our residents and for the children to engage with caring for others and learn about the past. Our overall objective is to generate enjoyment, learning and communication across the age groups.”
The project is part of the Learning and Sharing Together, an intergenerational programme that brings older people and children together for themed activity sessions, started by The Burnham Health Promotion Trust.
Research has shown the benefits of these visits to boost the well-being of both the elderly residents and the children.
Activities Coordinators Heidi Griffiths and Niki Hitchings spearheaded the project with the school, and class teacher Mr Waldeck, who sang with the children, are all pleased with the outcome. The residents thoroughly enjoyed the children’s company and signing, joining in with laughter and smiles.
“I’ve wanted to make this connection for many months as we enter the post-pandemic phase as all generations experienced unprecedented loneliness and isolation. Bringing people together, in a safe way of course, is something I’m passionate about.” Continued Michele.
“Throughout my career I have worked with people of all ages and understand the importance of this communication between the children and those of older generations” confirmed Janet Fevrier, General Manager of at Abbeyfield Maidenhead Society.
Residents at Nicholas House and children at Lent Rise Primary School are very much looking forward to future events and projects together.
Abbeyfield Maidenhead Society, of which Nicholas House is part of, provides residential care on a permanent or respite basis.
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