Elderly and children brought together in intergenerational activity sessions
Sessions run regularly, providing equal fun for both generations.
Debutots Oxford and Surroundings are running inclusive, no-pressure activity sessions to join different generations together in care homes.
Each session aims to build valuable connections between children and their ‘grandfriends,’ a term coined by the group. Classes are centered around a new story each time, and include storytelling, dramatic play, music for reminiscence, gentle movement, and opportunities for interaction and play between the two generations.
Regular weekly, fortnightly, and monthly sessions are held in local care homes around Oxford, Kidlington ,and Abingdon, ran by Martine, the owner of Debutots Oxford and Surroundings.
The highly acclaimed and multi-award winning innovative project is part of a nationwide franchise network. Since its inception in 2018, 83 care homes have been involved, and an estimated 8000 residents have taken part.
Studies have found that for older adults, regularly interacting with children leads to enhanced wellbeing, an improved sense of purpose, confidence, self-worth and acceptance, and cognitive benefits like stimulated memory.
For children, these interactions help their emotional and social development and can lead to early literacy development and improved classroom behaviour.
One parent commented, “I have attended several Debutots intergenerational sessions run by Martine with my three year old at a local care home. These sessions have been so wonderful.’
“Martine structures them around storytelling and play, and it allows the little ones to make a really special connection with their ‘grandfriends,’ demonstrated by the fact that the room is always filled with smiles and laughter.
“Martine is an empathetic and engaging communicator and storyteller, and she runs the activities expertly to create a lovely inclusive environment for generations to enjoy each other’s company!”
Sessions are open to groups of children from nurseries, preschools, and primary schools as well as individual children bought by their parents, caregivers, child-minders or nannies.
Sessions are also free, but require booking ahead of time. News about these sessions can be found on Instagram @debutotsoxfordandsurroundings and on facebook under ‘Debutots Oxford and Surroundings.’
Care homes who would like to include this in their lifestyle/activities programme are invited to reach out to Martine on martine@debutots.co.uk.