Local care home welcomes little visitors

Home news

Jul 27, 2018

Winchcombe Place is launching a scheme to bring together residents and children via a series of interactive workshops.

The care home will host a brand new 12-week pilot scheme called Babies and Buddies. The scheme, co-ordinated by Home-Start West Berkshire, is an inter-generational play group designed to bring parents, babies and older people together in a bid to combat loneliness and feelings of isolation.

The ground-breaking idea was developed by counsellor and couples therapist, Kamila Kaminska. The 12 weekly sessions were run by Rena Fuell, family group worker at Home-Start West Berkshire, who hosted the activities.Activities include bubble blowing, sharing ‘treasure boxes’ and sing-a-longs, with each activity carefully selected to ensure they are developmentally appropriate for all ages.  

Cliff Hutchings, home manager at Winchcombe Place, said: “At Winchcombe Place we love to be involved with the local community, and are always open to new ways of bringing everyone together.  

“Meaningful activity is an important part of the care we provide at Winchcombe Place, and this playgroup has been extra special as it includes three generations, and has given people who may be struggling with loneliness a forum in which to connect and talk about it. 

“It was wonderful to see the smiles on the faces of children and adults alike, and to see genuine friendships blossom between the residents and children. We look forward to welcoming the children back to the home throughout the project.”