Serving young and old alike – to the benefit of all

Hope Church Guildford was looking for ways to serve their community. With a group of young mums from the church already meeting socially on an occasional basis, they were considering starting a toddler group. However, with 49 churches in Guildford already providing a lot of activities, and without a building of their own, they were looking for something different. One of the children’s workers had seen a BBC documentary about the benefits of children and the elderly interacting and decided to approach local care homes. One care home, in particular, was very interested, and they decided to go ahead with their new venture called ‘Great and Small’.

After all the necessary risk assessments and safeguarding policies were put in place, the group started meeting at the end of 2019. They met in the care home on alternate Mondays, with the care home providing the space and snacks. The children were able to play in the centre of the room, while the mums built up relationships with the elderly residents. It was considered a great success by all involved.

One lady in particular, who was suffering from dementia, was unable to remember much at all, but could still play nursery rhymes on the piano, to the delight of everyone. Another lady held a young baby in her arms, with tears running down her face, as she never expected to hold a baby again.

With the start of lockdown, the group wasn’t able to start up again, but the mums and children have been active in sending letters and pictures. The joining together of young and old, was of benefit to everyone, and it hopes that the relationships built up will continue in the future.

’Truth be told’, is a fantastic charity which offers storytelling resources, support, training etc. to churches wanting to start intergenerational care home visiting.  Find out more by clicking here.