A care home is introducing an intergenerational story time initiative to foster connections between residents and the community.

The Belmont care home in Worcester is using the scheme to build community ties with North Worcester Primary Academy, whose school children visit for story time sessions every Wednesday.

The programme, established in 2023, matches a group of residents with young learners, offering them the opportunity to enjoy storytelling and learning together.

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The scheme aims to create a nurturing environment that can allow for intergenerational relationships to be fostered, and to promote mutual understanding.

Home manager of The Belmont, Sandie Preece, commended the joint efforts that have enabled the programme.

She said: "The well-being lead at The Belmont created such a wonderful connection with the local primary school, North Worcester Primary Academy, and came up with the idea of taking a small amount of our residents to the children once a week to listen to them read."

The rewards of intergenerational interactions can extend beyond just social interaction.

Ms Preece continued: "This has had a massive impact on both the residents involved and the children.

"They have created a special bond between them and made friends in a way that gives both parties a sense of wellbeing and joy."

She added: "Intergenerational activities can be so beneficial to both our residents and children.

"It helps build confidence, tackle social isolation, and loneliness in both groups."

For more information on The Belmont, visit: https://sandersseniorliving.co.uk/the-collection-at-sanders-senior-living/the-belmont-care-home-worcester/.