Halstead care home residents celebrate year of friendship with pupils

There were plenty of songs and smiles as residents at a care home in Halstead marked the end of a year-long intergenerational project with a primary school.

Residents at Care UK’s Colne View, on Dame Mary Walk, joined year 3 pupils from Holy Trinity C of E Primary School for a special assembly to honour the culmination of the Archie Project, celebrating the friendships they had built over the past year.

The two generations met regularly throughout the past 12 months to share stories, reminisce and learn more about each other. The children recorded residents’ memories, discovering more about their careers and life experiences while building lasting friendships.

At the assembly, the children performed a scarecrow song and passed the knitted Archie mascot on to the next class who will take part in the project.

Resident Dennis Hume, 89, said: “It's been lovely having the children popping into the care home. I have thoroughly enjoyed the year.

“At the assembly, the children asked me what I wished for and I replied, ‘More peace and respect in the world.’ They told me that is exactly what they had been learning about at school, and I could honestly see that. They were always a joy to have around!”

During the project, the residents and pupils took part in a range of activities, including baking biscuits, planting flowers, singing with the home’s dementia-friendly choir and getting their groove on at ‘movement to music’ sessions.

Resident Ros Bennett, 90, particularly enjoyed the group activities, adding: “It was such a joy seeing the children. They have such amazing characters, and we are grateful they have been able to spend time with us. 

“My favourite activity was when we visited the school and helped to plant flowers for the summer.”

The Archie Project is an intergenerational programme that brings care home residents and local schoolchildren together through shared activities designed to encourage connection and conversation.   

Kim Richardson, Senior Customer Relations Manager at Colne View, said: “This year’s Archie Project has been a wonderful experience for everyone involved. Over the past year, we’ve watched genuine friendships grow between the residents and children, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see the confidence and happiness these visits have brought.

“The final assembly was a lovely way to celebrate everything they have achieved together. Seeing the children perform their scarecrow song before passing the knitted Archie mascot onto the next class of pupils was a really special moment and a fitting end to a memorable year.

“Projects like this show just how much different generations can learn from one another. We’re already looking forward to welcoming the next group of pupils and creating many more happy memories together.”

Colne View is a purpose-built care home that offers full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care. It is designed to deliver the very best standards and boasts luxury facilities including a cinema, café and hair and beauty salon.