Intergenerational Activities Programme proves a hit at Peacehaven 

By PSS | Posted: Tuesday November 22, 2016

Old meets young on a regular basis at Peacehaven Village, with an intergenerational initiative proving extremely popular with residents and pre-schoolers alike. 

Visits to and from local kindergartens are proving a hit with Peacehaven Village residents, as part of the Intergenerational Activities Programme.

The programme was introduced last year, and has since seen Peacehaven Village develop relationships with nine Kindergartens/Early Learning Centres.

Pre-schoolers visit Peacehaven residents once a week, and residents also visit Kindergartens on a regular basis.

The visits provide valuable opportunities for interaction between the generations; pre-schoolers perform songs and dances, and share art, projects, puzzles and games with residents.

The concept was trialled in mid-2015; driven by Diversional Therapist Susan Slaughter. A documentary on an American rest home then aired showing the benefits of intergenerational programmes, which encouraged Peacehaven to make it a permanent feature.

It is already having a positive impact for Peacehaven residents who are benefitting from the frequent interaction with children, and Susan says the children also get plenty of benefits, particularly in terms of social and personal development.

“It’s really giving residents a new lease on life – the visits leave them brighter and happier,” Susan said.
“Residents have connected with the children, lifting their morale, self-esteem and confidence.”

CLICK HERE to find out more about Peacehaven Village