Residents from The Belmont Care Home in Worcester are building meaningful connections and experiencing joyful interactions through a unique partnership with North Worcester Primary Academy.

This heartwarming collaboration sees The Belmont residents, whom the children fondly call “our older friends,” visiting the school several times each week. Activities include pupils reading to the residents, a Stay & Play where residents join in with early years classes, and art sessions where both generations sketch each other. Additionally, pre-school children visit the care home for playgroup sessions with the residents.

For residents with dementia, these visits include special trips to the school's immersive room, where sensory stimulation exercises are tailored for them. In a world that can be overwhelming or confusing, sensory experiences can help foster moments of joy and may even trigger memories and emotions. “The sensory activities are going to work wonders for the dementia patients,” commented Tanya Davies from The Belmont Care Home.

These visits create invaluable connections, providing young children and older adults a supportive environment to learn from one another and enjoy each other's company. "I like reading to them; they are really kind and nice," said Brooke Ratcliffe, a Year 1 pupil.

Ruth Banks, a Belmont resident shared her enthusiasm for the partnership “The children are so friendly. I’ve mostly listened to them reading – it’s been amazing. It’s so lovely to be able to speak to the children, they seem so much more advanced than I was at that age.”

A core value at North Worcester Primary Academy is trust, and this partnership is helping children build that quality in a meaningful way. “The visits are important to help children appreciate people of all ages and to not be scared of older people,” said Ruth.

Anne Goodman, another resident, enjoys visiting the school, especially as her own grandchildren have grown up. “I just love it! I love their little faces and seeing them playing. It makes me feel good.”

Looking forward to future visits, she added, “I was a florist, so it would be nice to show them about flowers and planting.”

Carole Dunnett, also a resident, said “I’ve enjoyed the contact with young children, we’re a bit remote on our own, all of us the same age in the home, so it’s enjoyable to see youngsters. They seem to get a connection with us straight away.”

The collaboration between North Worcester Primary Academy and The Belmont Care Home highlights the value of intergenerational engagement. Mark Owen, Lifestyle Coordinator at The Belmont, remarked, “The school’s immersive room has been a huge benefit for our more advanced residents to get out and enjoy a sensory session. The activities we share together are truly wonderful. It’s been a huge positive for all involved.”

Stuart Grimes, Headteacher at North Worcester Primary Academy, reflected on the partnership: “Building a strong relationship with the Belmont has brought immense benefits to our pupils, school, and community. Our children gain invaluable experiences and insights by connecting with their residents, developing empathy, respect, and a sense of responsibility that will stay with them for life. These interactions foster a true sense of community and break down generational barriers, making our school a hub of learning. We are so proud of how this partnership enriches both the young and the old in such meaningful ways and the joy it brings to all is priceless.”

As pupils and residents continue to share activities, stories, and smiles, this collaboration demonstrates the positive impact that comes when different generations come together.

With future plans, such as a special Santa visit for the pupils, the school and care home look forward to many more shared memories and opportunities to learn from each other.