Students at John Ray Junior School visit residents at Riverdale Care Home

Residents at Riverdale Care Home, Braintree, welcome pupils from John Ray Junior School as part of a new programme to build intergenerational relationships. 

Westgate Healthcare, a family-owned and run care group with more than 20 years’ experience in providing specialist and residential care, has partnered with their local primary school to encourage students to interact with the residents by sharing stories and taking part in fun activities.

Pupils from each year at John Ray Junior School have been visiting the residents at Riverdale every week to present their artwork and exchange life stories.  

Sharon Thompson, Home Manager at Riverdale Care Home, said: 
“The residents at Riverdale Care Home are delighted to be visited by some of the pupils from John Ray Junior School, and we’ve seen the engagement between our residents and the students growing each week. This is something we’re really passionate about at Riverdale, and we will continue to partner with local organisations in order to benefit our residents.”  

Nicola, Learning Mentor at John Ray Junior School, said:
“The children from the choir attended Riverdale recently to sing a selection of songs from the Young voices concert earlier this year. After the concert, which the residents appeared to enjoy, the children had an opportunity to have a squash and chat to the residents. All the children said what a lovely time they had, and asked when they could go back again. The children enjoyed putting on a show for the residents and I think everyone involved took something away from the day.”

Parent at John Ray Junior School, said:
“Yesterday morning Joshua was ensuring that his school shoes were polished and he got himself a clean ironed jumper as he understood how much older people like smartness. I think it’s a great learning experience for the kids, leaving their comfort zone and having an adventure. I just wanted to say when I picked him up yesterday, he was beaming from ear to ear and had enjoyed a wonderful day at school.”