Bringing generations together
Our Independent Living with Care scheme, Wootton Vale is home to an intergenerational project between its residents and students at nearby Kimberley College.
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Strengthening community through connection
The group comes together a few times a year to enjoy each other’s company and do activities together. The project aims to combat loneliness, allow skill sharing, create friendships and bring the local community together, where those involved might not otherwise have the opportunity.
Nicola Field, Scheme Manager at Wootton Vale:
“The intergenerational project provides a great link from youth to the older generation. It’s lovely to see the engagement from both sides and everyone involved gets a lot from it. Enjoying activities together proves there’s no age barrier to friendship and fun and the benefit to the emotional wellbeing of residents is clear.”
At Christmas, students from Kimberley College came to Wootton Vale to perform some popular festive songs. The familiar tunes encouraged plenty of singing along from everyone there.
This was followed by a quiz where students and residents split into teams. It was a great opportunity for conversation and connection - plus, some friendly competition!
We aim to continue the relationship between Wootton Vale and Kimberley College. The project has been established for over 18 months now and going really well. We’re grateful to give an opportunity for our residents to build new relationship and for different generations to connect with each other.
You can find out more about Wootton Vale and bpha’s other Independent Living schemes here.
Valerie Bunyan, resident at Wotton Vale:
“Some really nice girls came in to play some games with us. It’s nice to mix with younger people and speak to them without barriers, like we’re all the same age. Some of the students come back to see us and play Bingo. It’s so nice to see them.”