Generations join forces at Wantage care home to build insect havens

A care home in Wantage welcomed a group of VIPs for an afternoon of creativity, conversation and community spirit.

Residents at Care UK’s Charlton Lodge, on Buttercup Road, were joined by the Mayor of Wantage and young carers aged 11 to 18 from Nacho’s Young Carers, a weekly support group run by Sweatbox Youth Centre, to build bug boxes. 

The group spent the afternoon crafting insect-friendly habitats for the home’s garden while learning why these were so important for the environment. Wild Wantage’s Julian was on hand to provide information about various bugs and engaged both young and old with an insect quiz. They rounded off the chatty session by decorating terracotta plant pots. 

The activity was funded by a £250 grant awarded to Sweatbox by Wantage Town Council as part of The Great Big Green Week – the UK’s biggest celebration of community action tackling climate change and protecting nature. 

Iain Cameron, Mayor of Wantage, said: “Wantage Town Council is very pleased to continue supporting local groups celebrating The Great Big Green Week. Collaborations such as this one between Charlton Lodge and Sweatbox, which bridge the generations, are particularly valuable.”

The project is part of Generations of Change, a Care UK initiative designed to unite older and younger people in a shared mission of environmental stewardship.

The programme harnesses the wisdom of older members of society and the fresh perspectives of younger participants during hands-on activities linked to biodiversity, climate change and sustainable gardening.

Christine King, 90-year-old resident at Charlton Lodge, said: “We had such a wonderful afternoon! The young carers were all so polite and enthusiastic about the workshop.”

Beyond environmental education, the initiative aims to combat loneliness in later life by fostering intergenerational connections that promote a sense of purpose, enriching the lives of both generations as they work together towards a more sustainable future.

Carla Kell, Home Manager at Charlton Lodge, said: “We were thrilled to see both the children and residents so engaged in building the bug boxes. The smiles on their faces as they learned about biodiversity were fantastic to see. 

“The Generations of Change initiative is a wonderful way for residents and children to share knowledge, create memories and enjoy time together for an incredible cause. 

“A huge thank-you to Nacho’s Young Carers and Wantage Town Council for making it all possible – we’re looking forward to welcoming more wildlife to our garden.”

Charlton Lodge is a state-of the-art care home providing full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the home has its very own cinema, hair and beauty salon and café, along with plenty of space – both indoors and out – for relaxation and recreation.