School childrens’ letters spark intergenerational connections

Pupils from a Huyton school have used the power of written word to reconnect with a local care home and put smiles on the faces of residents.

Hurst Park Court care home on Longview Drive received 15 surprise letters from pupils from Alt Bridge School on Wellcroft Road. The letters, written by pupils up to age 16, boosted residents’ spirits and brightened the day for the care team as they read the letters aloud.

The children were eager to share fun facts about their favourite activities, what they like about school and their aspirations. The letters helped residents at Hurst Park Court care home to reconnect with the school despite not being able to interact with pupils directly.

Before the pandemic, local school children from all over Huyton would visit Hurst Park Court care home to enjoy activities with residents, make friends with them and learn about their life stories. Coronavirus restrictions have meant that in-person intergenerational activities have been put on pause.

Christopher Wilcock, Manager of Hurst Park Court care home said:

It’s such a joy to have this connection with Alt Bridge School. The reaction from our residents was amazing when we read out the letters.

I think it’s so important to keep the link between the younger and older generations and I know our residents benefitted greatly from the lovely letters, which even brought a few tears to many eyes.

Hurst Park care home is just one of our locations involved in a range of intergenerational activities. At the start of the pandemic, we launched the #BeKindToOneAnother initiative, encouraging people to send letters, pictures and poems to care home residents in their local community. Care teams are continuously looking for new ways to provide residents with opportunities for intergenerational interactions and to foster new connections benefitting residents and children alike.

Margaret McEgan, 73, resident of Hurst Park Court care home was delighted to read the letters and learn about the children. She said:

It brightened up my day to read the letters and hear the children speak about their lives. It reminds me of my own children and grandchildren. I’m really looking forward to when we can begin having in person activities with local school children again.