Residents at Willow Gardens are bridging the age gap with local youth this December

Willow Gardens residential care home in Yateley have been focusing on facilitating intergenerational activities to benefit residents and build relationships with school children in the local area all year, but this December they have had a bumper array of activities.

Five different schools have visited the home this month, delighting the residents and staff with their Christmas carols, dances, nativity plays and parties.

Mrs Evans of St Michael’s Church of England School in Sandhurst has been bringing her Duckling class to visit on a regular basis for the past 2 years with huge success. Stories of children becoming more confident and adults teaching the children new skills have been very rewarding to hear. 

Mrs Evans said: “The children love coming to Willow Gardens and get very excited about seeing their ‘older friends’ – some of whom have no local grandparents of their own. The feedback from their parents has been equally positive.” 

Westfields Infant School choir brought 42 children along to the home sing. Choir teacher Mrs Elliott commented: “We visited Willow Gardens for a Christmas choir concert and had a lovely time. The children sang with joy and enthusiasm and the audience were lovely!” 

Angela McCormack, Willow Garden Manager said; “Not only was one of the choir a great grandson of one of our residents, but my own granddaughter was also in the choir. My children attended Westfields and never in a million years would I have dreamt that I would be welcoming my granddaughter along to sing in my care home! It was a wonderful occasion of intergenerational joy.”

Pupils from Yateley Manor School also gave a wonderful performance at the beginning of December, as did girls from Farnborough Hill. 

Eagle House School invited 20 residents to a party at their school, where the children hosted by serving drinks and festive food, then delighted the guests with their singing. The Headmaster of Eagle House was delighted to announce that this will now be an annual event, to which they also invite residents of other care homes in the area.

Everyone at Willow Gardens would like to wish all the local children a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and thank them for their time.

You can find out more about Willow Gardens here.