It's arty time for nursery children and Heather View residents

Home news

Jun 11, 2018

Heather View has teamed up with a local community group to help build intergenerational friendships between children and residents. 

The care home has launched its “Young At Heart” project with the help of local community group Artytime.

Funded by Connecting 4 You, a local NHS initiative that aims to introduce innovative ways of building better communities and improving care for older people, the “Young at Heart” project invites parents with children under five to care homes. Encouraging the different generations to mix and mingle, residents and children share stories and get involved with arts and crafts projects.

Heather View home manager, Natasha King, said: “Arts and crafts and other creative projects can have many therapeutic benefits for older people, especially those living with dementia, by keeping their minds busy and giving them a sense of purpose. 

“Intergenerational relationships have also proven to be enriching for both sides: they can reduce the isolation of older people, and they provide an opportunity for both children and residents to learn from each other. It is fantastic to see the friendships developing already, and everyone at the home is looking forward to welcoming Artytime and the children again soon!” 

Beverley Pashley, Artytime coordinator, added: “Artytime’s mission is to bring arts and craft to all ages and abilities, and our partnership with Heather View care home gave us the perfect opportunity to do just that. We are so pleased the project has been so well received by all involved.”