Young and old in creative link-up
PUPILS VISIT MOAT HOUSE RESIDENTS
PRIMARY school pupils and senior citizens have been spending time together thanks to a community group.
Crafting Relationships arranged for year five pupils at Battling Brook Primary, in Hinckley, to meet up with residents of Moat House, in Burbage.
The social enterprise secured funding from Tesco’s Bags of Help project.
Battling Brook head teacher Stewart Marsden said: “One of last year’s year five pupils wrote a letter to me asking if Battling Brook could do some work with older community members. When this opportunity came about to work with Crafting Relationships, we were able to make that come true.”
Six pupils visited Moat House and
This project has been a fantastic way to facilitate intergenerational relationships Nicky French
worked with about 20 residents.
Crafting Relationships director Katherine Brown said: “We spend time at the start of each session getting to know each other and setting the scene for team working.
“By setting a creative challenge as a focus for everyone, intergenerational relationships grow quickly from that point, with imaginations running high.
“The benefits of spending time being creative are well researched.
“Coupled with developing inter- generational connections, Crafting Relationships sessions can have a positive impact on enhancing social and emotional intelligence in children, developing opportunities for both ages to share and learn skills, and creating a sense of purpose for older adults.” Nicky French, Moat House manager said: “This project has been a fantastic way to facilitate intergenerational relationships. “Our residents have loved spending time with the children and Crafting Relationships, and together they’ve produced some wonderful creations.”