Residents at Greenbanks Care Home, part of the Runwood Homes group, enjoyed a deeply emotional and uplifting visit from 35 nursery children from Holy Rood School this month, accompanied by their teachers and parents, in a special intergenerational event designed to strengthen community connection and wellbeing.
A total of 38 residents took part in the visit, which featured nursery rhymes performed by the children and the sharing of handmade drawings created specifically as gifts for the residents. The visit provided a lively and meaningful opportunity for conversation between generations, with residents and children engaging warmly as they exchanged stories and discussed the artwork.
The event was initiated following discussions during a recent residents’ meeting, where the idea of welcoming schoolchildren into the home was proposed and enthusiastically supported. Lifestyle Coordinators led the planning and preparation, ensuring residents were fully involved and looking forward to the occasion in the days leading up to the visit.
Resident Joan, who serves as a Residents’ Ambassador, shared an especially emotional reflection during the event, saying: “I feel so loved seeing these kids today. They have brought me so much joy, and I feel very emotional.” Joan was visibly moved and expressed gratitude for the experience.
The atmosphere throughout the day was described as joyful, warm, and emotional, with parents and staff also reflecting on the powerful impact of the visit. Many attendees noted the visible connection formed between the children and residents, particularly during conversations about the children’s drawings and creative work.
Staff at Greenbanks highlighted the event as a valuable reminder of the importance of community involvement in care settings and the positive impact of connecting younger and older generations.
The success of the visit has encouraged plans for future collaborations with local schools to continue creating these meaningful relationships.
