Vale of Glamorgan Council hosts intergenerational socialising scheme
The Vale of Glamorgan Council has hosted a scheme that sees children under five meet with older people in an effort to bring generations together.
As we mark Dementia Action Week, one feature of these sessions is that it can encourage people living with that condition to interact and talk about their experiences.
Other benefits include the building of intergenerational friendships, improving attitudes towards older people and reducing ageism.
Run by childcare professional Virginia Bourne, who has over 20 years’ experience in the field, Buds and Blooms Intergenerational Groups is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company that runs sessions in which pre-school children and their parents visit care homes and day centres.
One operates in Morel Court care home in Penarth on a Thursday and another at the Council’s Rondel House Day Centre in Barry on a Wednesday.
The sessions last for an hour and always at the same time as the regularity is helpful to both children and residents.
“I started these sessions in September as I am very passionate about intergenerational work and the benefits they bring to the older and younger participants,” said Mrs Bourne.
“I wanted to help run a group that included the two groups of people, which is why I set up as a community interest company.
“In the short time I have been running sessions, these groups have been really successful and it has been lovely watching the residents and children form a bond with each other. The parents have been very receptive to the sessions too.”
The sessions run in blocks of a month, each with a different theme, and include singing, puppets, musical instruments, story massage, games and more.
Props are given to the residents to help them feel part of the session and they are passed around to encourage further interaction.
For more information, or to join a group, contact Virginia Bourne via the ‘Buds and Blooms Intergenerational Groups’ on Facebook or email virginia@budsandbloomswales.
Local businesses can also help by providing funding for equipment.