Art project brings Eye residents and children together

A care home in Eye teamed up with local pupils as part of a global art initiative. 

Residents at Care UK’s Hartismere Place, on Castleton Way, joined children at Wilby School to create colourful artworks as part of the Big Draw Festival. 

In line with this year’s theme – ‘Drawing with Senses’ – residents and students put colouring pencils to paper to create an array of drawings illustrating the five senses. The session also gave pupils and residents an opportunity to discuss the importance of each sense, and the ways everyone experiences the world through them. 

In addition, the team at Hartismere Place donated books about the senses to the school in a bid to support pupils’ learning and encourage them to continue to explore their creative side. 

Claire Martin, Home Manager at Hartismere Place, said: “Art and intergenerational activities are a huge part of life here at Hartismere Place, so we were delighted to team up with pupils at Wilby School for this special project.

“Intergenerational relationships have proven to be incredibly enriching, as they provide an opportunity for younger and older generations to learn from each other. These relationships can be particularly beneficial for older people, as they can offer a sense of purpose and prompt conversations as residents reflect on their younger years. 

“We’d like to say a big thank you to Wilby School for taking part, and we can’t wait to join forces again soon for some arty fun!”

Hartismere Place has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives. The home provides full-time residential, residential dementia, as well as short term respite care. The team also operates a day centre, the Hartismere Place Day Club, open to the community throughout the week.