Firside Friends Indeed

Children from Firside Junior School have been building cross-generational friendships during visits to a local care home
A group of pupils have been spending time with the residents of Redlands House in Hellesdon by playing games, reading and sharing stories about their lives.
The visits have been made possible through the school’s links with Friend In Deed, a charity which aims to help reduce loneliness in care homes and make communities kinder by bringing people of all ages together.
The children are taking part in a number of sessions at the home over a six week period and at the end they will receive a Community Kindness Award.

Lucy Seagrave, from Firside Junior School, said: “It is wonderful to see the reaction of the residents when they see the children, and they love talking to them. It’s also lovely that the children have started building relationships with certain residents and they look forward to seeing them.
“These interactions have been fantastic for the children and have helped them to see that care homes are loving and happy places.”

Jo Herriven from Friend in Deed, said: "Intergenerational interactions have so many benefits to the well-being and health of older people, including those living with dementia, and the positive impact on young people shouldn't be underestimated. Taking the lead in conversation and communication, thinking about the physical and emotional needs of their older friend and being considerate and respectful. We see that genuine friendships form quickly. Students are often surprised at how much they have in common with someone 60/70 years older than them and have lots of questions about their lives, jobs and interests.
“Our work encourages everyone to think about how a small amount of kindness can make a big difference to the lives of everyone in our communities, so for the students from Firside to be able to walk to Redlands House and support those within the area they live is really meaningful and special. We are so grateful for Lucy Seagrave's continued passion for Friend in Deed over many years and the kindness shown by the children at Firside."
The manager of Redlands Care Home, Laura Ward, said: "These visits have made such an impact. One of our residents stated that she looks forward to these visits as she feels that she is making a difference and teaching the children by sharing her stories. I have seen first hand how kind and caring the children have been whilst at Redlands and their excitement to play games and read books. This is a great initiative and we are so lucky to be involved."