Children and elderly residents from Soham have been spending time together as part of an intergenerational project which aims to reduce loneliness.
Bug hunting, hand printing, singing nursery rhymes, parachute games and a picnic were some of the activities organised by Cambridgeshire County Council’s Neighbourhood Cares Team.
To put the activities together, the team worked with Millbrook extra care housing, Weatheralls Primary school, Care Network and the children centre.
Cambridgeshire County Councillor Anna Bailey, chairwoman of the adults committee, said: “One of the aims of the Neighbourhood Cares pilot is to support residents to maintain their independence and quality of life.
“It’s evident that children learn a lot from older people and we hope that these sessions provide companionship for the older attendees, and put a spring in their step.
“The sessions have been very well received with many attendees asking for more, therefore the Neighbourhood Cares team hope to extend the project to run more.”
As a result of one of the activities, one child made a birthday card for one of the older people.
A reunion between the children and older people is being planned before the summer holidays.
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