Charity highlights the many ways its residents engage with younger people

A charity is marking Intergenerational Week by highlighting the many ways its residents engage with younger people.

Royal Star & Garter regularly arranges for residents at its three Homes to connect and interact with younger members of their communities. This can range from nursery school visits to the Homes, to working with street and graffiti artists.

Intergenerational Week runs from Thursday 25th to Tuesday 30th April 2024 and aims to bridge the generational gap.

Promoting intergenerational contacts with residents from Royal Star & Garter is part of the holistic care provided by the charity. Research has shown it improves mental health and boosts wellbeing in older people, reducing feelings of loneliness, depression and anxiety. It also improves physical health and cognitive function, and can tackle ageism by helping build stronger communities and breaking down barriers.

It is the job of each Home’s Wellbeing Teams to organise all events and outings for residents, including intergenerational activities.

Royal Star & Garter veterans in High Wycombe enjoy meeting with youngsters from nearby schools. They were guests at Little Kingshill Combined School when pupils there put on a special performance of a play. Shortly before Christmas, children from Godstowe School came to the Home to perform a festive concert. Nearby RAF High Wycombe has also built up a close friendship with the Home, with personnel regularly visiting and spending time with residents.

As well as activities and events organised by the Homes Wellbeing Teams, the charity regularly welcomes young relatives through its doors, when they come to visit their grandparents or great-grandparents.

Shirley Hall, Director of Care & Wellbeing at Royal Star & Garter, said: ‘Intergenerational activities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life for our residents by promoting social interaction, mental stimulation, wellbeing and a sense of community. The fact that they also bring benefits to the younger generation means they are a double bonus. I’m delighted that these interactions take place throughout the year and I’m proud that we’re using them to celebrate Intergenerational Week.‘

Royal Star & Garter provides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia, from Homes in Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe. The charity has also launched new services to reach out into the community.

The Home in High Wycombe is welcoming new residents. Further information on the new services being provided or information on working at the Home can be found on the Royal Star & Garter website at www.starandgarter.org/hw.

*Source of information : Press release from Royal Star & Garter.