CHS Group is leading the way in Cambridgeshire with intergenerational care, as it brings its oldest and youngest residents together to encourage mood and health benefits.

The Group’s Sunflower Nursery took its pre-school children to visit the elderly residents of Richard Newcombe Court on 14 February, the housing association’s extra care facility in Cambridge. Ten children, ranging between three and four years old, and the care home residents spent the day making valentines cards, as well as playing with puzzles and board games. Both groups were quiet to begin with, but within a few minutes the children were interacting with residents and making new friends.

The afternoon was a success, with the children’s confidence increasing as they interacted with a different generation, and the elderly residents expressed their enjoyment. A resident at Richard Newcombe Court, said: “It’s been lovely because I hardly see my grandchildren anymore, as they live so far away. This really works, the big age difference seems to correlate really well – it’s brought life to the place.”

Nigel Howlett, CHS’s Chief Executive, said: “The happiness of our residents is our utmost priority. Our service managers and employees within each scheme are always exploring new activities to introduce to residents, and it’s great to be able to bring two generations together. There is lots of research which suggests that intergenerational care can bring huge benefits, and we look forward to seeing this initiative evolve.”

After the positive feedback from the residents at Richard Newcombe Court, and the enjoyment from the children at Sunflower Nursery, CHS Group is looking to continue these intergenerational activity days, whilst monitoring the benefits this interaction brings to its residents.