Intergenerational activities inspire winning school competition entry
The link between primary school pupils and their local care home has sparked a celebration of care, and taken a youth public speaking competition by storm.
Intergenerational activities at Moorhaven residential care home in Taunton provided the inspiration for Holway Park Primary School’s winning entry at the recent Somerset Pupil Parliament speaking competition.
A team of Year 5 pupils spoke about the school’s ongoing connection with Moorhaven, aiming to inspire others about care in the Taunton community, and to celebrate the mutually beneficial link that has been forged between school children and care home residents during their regular visits to the home.
Entertainment, engagement and mutual enjoyment
Residents at the home look forward to being entertained by the Holway Park Primary School choir, watching the latest show put on by the school’s performing arts group, taking part in arts and crafts activities with the children, or simply reading together.
A boost to wellbeing
Michaela Cooper, Manager at Moorhaven respite, residential and day care home on Normandy Drive, says:
“Our residents absolutely love it when children from Holway Park Primary School come to visit, and the smiles on everyone’s faces prove that age really is just a number!
“The benefits of intergenerational activities are widely documented, but it is really special to see first-hand the wellbeing boost that older and younger members of our community experience when doing something as simple as reading together. We even had one of the children ask if they could stay at Moorhaven because they love it so much, which did bring a tear to my eye!
“We are really honoured that the pupils chose to speak about their connection with Moorhaven and our residents in the public speaking competition – and absolutely delighted that they won! We send our heartfelt congratulations to the winning team, and look forward to their next visit.”
Discover a care home at the heart of the community
To find out more about the day care, respite care and residential care on offer at Moorhaven, and the home’s links with the local community, please click on the buttons below.
