School gardening clubs helps put at Leyburn extra care scheme

A new partnership aimed at bridging the generation gap between children and the elderly has got off to a positive ‘green-fingered’ start.

Prior to the start of the summer holidays, children from Wensleydale School’s Gardening Club visited Broadacres’ Kirkwood Hall extra care scheme in Leyburn.

The youngsters joined residents and volunteers from Broadacres in sprucing up the garden area of the 50-home scheme on Harmby Road.

This included painting wooden benches, laying new topsoil, weeding and planting.

This intergenerational care project was such a success that Kirkwood Hall and the school are now looking at ways of working together on a more regular basis for the benefit of both young and old alike.

Emily Thomas, Kirkwood Hall Extra Care Scheme Manager, said: “We were delighted to welcome the children who worked so well with residents and colleagues at Broadacres to transform our outdoor area.

“It was fantastic to see the different generations interacting together so well and we are keen to do more during the new school year.

“Being around young people has great cognitive and therapeutic benefits for our residents, especially those who don’t have grandchildren or are unable to see their families as much as they would like due to distance or other factors.”

Kate Huitson, head of geography and gardening school lead at Wensleydale School, said: “The students really enjoyed visiting the residents in Kirkwood.

“They loved working with and helping the residents to improve their environment and outside space. It was lovely to see the students chatting to the residents and helping them. We are looking forward to visiting again.”

Intergenerational care began in Japan in 1976 but is still a relatively new phenomenon in the UK. It has been proven to have multiple benefits. It helps the language development, reading and social skills of the children and older people are less likely to suffer loneliness through regular interaction with the younger generation. It also helps stimulate memories for people with dementia.