Age Exchange Project

Age Exchange Project

LGNI were delighted to access a small amount of funding from the CLEAR Project coordinated by Developing Healthy Communities on behalf of Public Health Agency NI.  The focus of the Age Exchange Project was to support the creation of a new intergenerational link between a school and nearby care home for the improved mental health and well-being of all involved.  The overall aim was to build a working relationship between the settings that could be sustained beyond the project with pupils and residents regularly engaging in activities.

LGNI approached Knockbreda Primary School to be part of this project as they were keen to establish links with nearby Annadale Care Home and the following activities took place:

• LGNI supported planning meeting with Knockbreda Primary School Principal and Annadale Care Home
• Delivery of Dementia Awareness session for the pupils to be involved
• Facilitation of 'Get to know you' session between the pupils and residents at Annadale Care Home
• 4 weeks of intergenerational activities - bird box makings, arts and crafts, games and conversations
• Celebration event

The project was a massive success and we would like to give a big shout out to the amazing staff at both settings who fully embraced the intergenerational approach!  We can't wait to see your relationship continue to grow!

Check out the lovely comment and photos below:

"Being involved in the Intergenerational Project between our school and Annadale Nursing Home was an absolute pleasure.  My pupils absolutely loved the weekly visits and it was lovely for me to watch the relationship between the children and residents grow and develop.  Each Friday our classroom was filled with excitement in anticipation of another visit to our new friends.  It was lovely to witness the joy from both the elderly generation and our pupils as they participated in the project.  Taking part in the IG project was one of highlights of the school year for both pupils and staff". (School Teacher)

"Being part of the IG project brought so much joy, fun and happiness to our residents.  They looked forward to our Friday afternoons and built some special bonds with the residents. I'm so pleased to have been part of this project and look forward to working on future projects". (Care Home Activity Coordinator)