Kiddderminster partnership bridges generation gap (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Kiddderminster partnership bridges generation gap

7:20am Friday 4th December 2009

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AN award winning Wyre Forest care centre for older people with mild to moderate dementia has entered into a “groundbreaking” partnership with a Kidderminster school.

Pupils of Birchen Coppice Primary School make weekly visits to the town’s Friends of the Elderly Wyre Valley Day Club in Gamson Close.

The visits started at the beginning of November and organisers intend them to continue, with closer links forged between the school and the club.

Sam Arnold, manager of the day club, explained that the year six children, aged 10 and 11, joined their “lively Wednesday group”.

He added that the initial aim of the partnership was to promote intergenerational working and challenge people’s perceptions of older people and, in particular, dementia.

He said children joined members in regular activities, such as arts and crafts, talked about the older people’s reminiscences and played games.

Mr Arnold said: “I think it is going absolutely brilliantly. The children are gaining a greater understanding of older people and a real insight into dementia.

“It gets them involved in the community, while our members gain a lot as well. They look forward to the children coming and love having them around. I think they get more involved in the activities when the children are there.”

He explained: “It is something very worthwhile for both the children and our members and it’s all about breaking down the stigmas and stereotypes surrounding dementia.

“With the children being only 10 or 11, they are more receptive and, hopefully, they will stay like this into their later years and pass on the message.”

Mr Arnold added that the partnership with the school would also involve visits by members to the school’s Christmas play and other events.

He said: “It is quite groundbreaking really. We have had schools here before but nothing like this arrangement or on this scale.”

Liane Billingsley, school headteacher, added: “The elderly gain a more positive view of children and the children love working with the elderly.

“It has been a very good experience for the children and we hope it continues. They love it.”

The day club was a recent winner of a Mike Oborski No Barriers award, which recognises local businesses, organisations or individuals that have gone the “extra mile” working with people with a disability.

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