Youngsters bring ‘songs and smiles’ to Heywood care home residents
The hour-long sessions feature singing, dancing, percussion as well as bubbles and playing the teaspoons, with the aim of building relationships between the children under four, their parents and also the older residents
Heywood care home residents have been given a positive boost by energetic youngsters during an intergenerational music group.
Residents at Cherwell Court And Roeacre Court in Heywood, which are both run by Guinness Care have been treated to the ‘Songs and Smiles’ music groups, which are run by charity The Together Project.
The hour-long sessions feature singing, dancing, percussion as well as bubbles and playing the teaspoons, with the aim of building relationships between the children under four, their parents and also the older residents.
With older people isolated for so long during the pandemic, they and their relatives said the activities are just what they needed to feel connected again.
Heidi, whose two-year-old attended one of the sessions, said: “My daughter and I had a wonderful time. It has been difficult during Covid, having no interaction with other people and this is what we needed.
“She had so much fun dancing and playing with the group, and the residents were lovely and so accommodating. I can't wait to see them all again.”
Louise Goulden, who founded the Together Project initiative in 2017 said the groups were a great way for people to mix with other people they wouldn’t normally come into contact with.
She said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with Guinness Care.
“We share their commitment to improving people's lives and are thrilled to be able to bring our transformational 'Songs & Smiles' programme to their housing schemes, with a focus on improving wellbeing and spreading happiness among their customers.
“Our vision is a nation of joyful intergenerational friendships and Guinness's support means we're a step closer towards achieving it.”
Guinness Care are funding the visits at their Independent Living sites in Rochdale borough, which will run until July.
Catherine Parsons, health and wellbeing coordinator for Guinness Care, said: “This scheme is a wonderful opportunity for different generations to connect with each other and we’re delighted to be able to fund it.
“Isolation and loneliness are proven to have significant detrimental effects on people’s mental and physical health. This is one of the many projects we support to help improve the lives of our older customers.”
