Firm friendships between a group of toddlers and care home residents in Arnold have been formed following the launch of a pioneering new project.
The Golden Eagles project, which launched recently in the town, aims to bridge the generational gap between seniors and children under five by bringing them together for a joint playtime each week.
The under fives, along with their parents or carers, enjoy a variety of activities with the senior citizens which are designed to encourage interaction between the two groups.
These include craft, gardening, puppetry, art, stories and songs.
So far residents at Coppice Lodge Care Home, The Manor Residential Home and the friendship club for the over 60s at Together@Arnold have all benefited from the new playgroups.
The scheme was recently launched in the town after funding was made available from the National Lottery Community Fund and is being run by Fledglings baby and toddler group, who are based at Eagle’s Nest Church.
Co-ordinator of the friendship club Together@Arnold, Kim Butler, is excited by how the project is benefiting her group.
“The children and seniors interact so well,” she said.
“The older generation helping the younger. They all join in singing time and the seniors are probably more active than they have been in a long time.”
Catherine Goddard, regional lifestyle manager at Ideal Carehomes, operator of Coppice Lodge said: “We’re thrilled to be a part of the Golden Eagles project. It’s important that residents living at Coppice Lodge are able to interact with people of all ages and we know that they really do get so much out of the children’s visits.
“There’s a real aura of happiness around the home after the visits with the residents spending a long time chatting about the children and the time they’ve spent with them.
“Our home takes its role at the heart of Arnold very seriously and initiatives such as this, from Eagle’s Nest Church, demonstrate the positive impact that this type of community collaboration can bring.”
More details about the scheme can be found at www.eaglesnest.org.uk.
