Over the past two years we have established and developed a relationship with the residents, staff and families of Longfields Care Home in Maldon. This relationship is deep rooted in mutual respect, compassion and understanding. There is also an enormous sense of fun and happiness felt during our visits. It is clearly evident, during our weekly visits with our Year 6 children, that all these skills are being continually developed.

Every Wednesday we take a group of Year 6 children who get the opportunity to build friendships and relationships as well as experience as they visit consistently over 6 or 7 weeks. During the course of these weeks they become very familiar with and indeed very fond of the residents. They look forward to going and leave every week full of stories of their visit that day and raised self esteem.

Children engage with the residents through a wide range of activities including arts and craft, cooking and games, many of which are specifically aimed at supporting people with dementia, which many of the residents have. Engaging with the residents with dementia is another life changing experience for our children, they follow the lead of the staff and very quickly and easily learn how to be both supportive and calm when faced with a whole range of needs and personalities. It is a pleasure to watch them develop in confidence and independence as they problem solve and take on a caring role, persevering in developing those amazing relationships.

Our Year 6 children over the past 2 years have been pioneers, spreading the word about this wonderful project through many events where they have spoken to others about their experiences. Through kind donations we are able to continue the project with our Year 6 children this year and are delighted that they will also have this unique opportunity to develop these skills in a very real and powerful way. If you would like to know more about the project then please do not hesitate in contacting us.