Schoolchildren wearing red noses and wigs filled a Bournemouth care home with laughter, as they shared games and jokes with residents for Comic Relief.
Pupils from Christchurch Junior School visited residents at Wickmeads care home in Tuckton, which is run by not-for-profit charity Care South, to play a range of board games while wearing red wigs, novelty glasses and red noses. The children also told some of their favourite jokes to the residents in honour of Comic Relief, commonly known as Red Nose Day, which supports community organisations in the UK and around the world.
Jean, who lives in Wickmeads, enjoyed a competitive game of Jenga with Finley from Christchurch Junior School. Afterwards, she said: “It brought back nice memories of playing games as children. I remember playing Jenga, as we got it for Christmas, which was very exciting at the time. We had some very good times.”
Children from Christchurch Junior School head along to Wickmeads every month to read to the residents and play games to benefit from intergenerational relationships.
Charlotte Dadds, Year 4 Leader and Reading Leader for Christchurch Junior School, said: “It is wonderful to see the friendships building between our pupils and the Wickmeads residents. The board games and jokes really brought them all together to share a laugh and a smile. We are so pleased that we can enable our pupils to connect with older generations in such a fun way.”
Tracey Walker, Home Manager for Wickmeads, said: “Our residents always look forward to seeing the children from Christchurch Junior School, who arrive full of energy and ready to chat and share stories. They bring a sense of joy, liveliness and child-like wonder that truly brightens everyone’s day. We are so proud to have such a close link with Christchurch Junior School, alongside our other connections with our local community.”
Wickmeads provides residential, respite and dementia care. A dedicated activities team organises a daily programme of events to bring residents together to socialise and build friendships.
Care South is a leading provider of high-quality residential and care at home services across the south of England. The not-for-profit charity has care homes in Dorset, north Devon and Somerset, and care at home offices covering Dorset and Somerset.
For more information about the care services available, go to care-south.co.uk or call Care South on 01202 712410.
