Hadleigh group Generations Together launches in care home

Generations Together, set up by Chloe Harvey, will be held fortnightly at Waterfield House residential and dementia care home, launches today (Friday, March 8).

The free-to-attend sessions for children aged five and under aim to provide mutual benefits for older and younger people, who can learn from each other.

Chloe Harvey said: "My goal for Generations Together is to bring young children and elderly people together. It's not just for fun; it's about making meaningful connections, learning from each other, and sharing moments that are important for all involved.

“While there will be guided play and activities, I hope that, as the weeks go on, the residents, parents, and children form relationships where they can socialise and play as one group. I’m really excited to get started and I hope the group does all I want it to.”

It is hoped that the project will also reduce loneliness for new parents and residents in care homes.

The benefits of intergenerational care have been well-documented, most notably on the Channel 4 series Old People’s Home for Four Years Olds.

A spokesperson for Waterfield House said: “At Waterfield House, we continually look for activities that promote health and wellbeing for our wonderful residents. Intergenerational activities bring young and old together, which helps to combat loneliness and isolation, not just for our residents, but for families of the community too.

"Some may be far from family and it will build a wonderful second family, with our residents getting to see the toddlers grow and develop.”

A report for United for All Ages found that older people are less likely to suffer from loneliness, while younger children can develop language skills, reading, and confidence.