Larchwood Care

Around 60 school children took to the streets of Basildon dressed as scarecrows as part of a project intended to strengthen understanding of dementia amongst youngsters in the town.

The Fairhouse Primary School pupils and staff paraded through the town dressed as scarecrows as part of a new collaborative project with Mundy House care home, which connects the youngest and oldest members of society.

The school and care home have formed an intergenerational partnership as part of their involvement with The Archie Project, which works to connect local primary schools with older people, especially those in care homes. The ambition is to dispel the fear and stigma often associated with dementia and create more dementia-friendly communities.

The project is already underway with the school’s pupils spending time with the residents during arts and crafts sessions. The care home say the benefits are endless, reducing social isolation, loneliness and helping residents reminisce about their own childhoods.

Josi George, manager of Mundy House care home, said: “Our residents have thoroughly enjoyed spending time with the children, reading and taking part in different activities like painting and drawing. The children bring such great energy and enthusiasm into the home, it really brightens everyone’s day.

“The Archie Project, and schemes like it, are really important for the wellbeing of our residents and helps younger people be more sympathetic to older people who may be experiencing dementia. It reminds residents of happy memories with their own children, grandchildren or even great grandchildren, and gives the children a better understanding early on about how dementia effects people.”

Rheonaid Cooper, Assistant Headteacher at Fairhouse Primary School, said: “The Archie Project has been wonderful for our children and adults alike. The children thoroughly enjoy their visits to Mundy House and loved dressing up as scarecrows.

“The partnership with Mundy House has helped our children appreciate the elderly residents and has given them an understanding as to why they may behave in certain ways. It is teaching the children empathy by helping them to understand how dementia can affect people.

“The project has helped the children to think of their own personal situations including their own grandparents and family members. It has made them aware of how they relate to and speak with the residents of Mundy House and to think about the types of conversations that they have with them. They love asking about their pets, the things they like to eat and hearing stories from the residents lives.

“The children look forward to building on the relationships that they have started with the resident. They are excited to see the same person again to carry on their conversations and also to get to meet new residents too. Josi, the manager, has made us so welcome, as well as the rest of the staff and the wonderful residents.”

ENDS

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF LARCHWOOD CARE

CONTACT: Joss Havakin on 01325 363436

Notes to editors:

Larchwood Care has an extensive range of care homes, with an excellent reputation, in England, Scotland and South Wales.

All of the facilities are set up to support a comfortable lifestyle while making the most of a skilled care team with an approach that is homely and charming, while also being modern and efficient.

Larchwood Care Homes is managed by Healthcare Management Solutions, one of the leading providers of care in the UK.

https://www.larchwoodcare.co.uk/