The Orchard Makes Connections To Support Children From The Links Academy
The Orchard Care Home in St Albans have been working with local school Links Academy to the benefit of both students and residents.
Commitment to Building Relationships with Schools in the Community
Earlier this year, The Orchard team were presented with the Mayor’s special Intergenerational Award at the St Albans Mayor’s Pride Awards, having impressed with their commitment to building relationships with schools in the area.
More recently, the team have been making connections to help support the children from Links Academy. The Academy offers a structured and personalised education for students from primary and secondary schools in the area who have complex, individual social and emotional needs.
Links Students Make Friends with David and Daisy
This alternative to conventional education includes interaction with the local community and over the past few months, The Orchard have welcomed a student to the home every Thursday. Although still quite shy, there has been definite progress and the student has made great friends with Daisy, the home’s regular canine visitor, sitting with her companionably.
As the first few months have been so successful, the teachers have brought along another student who has loved spending time with David, one of the home’s residents. David has been at The Orchard for many years and is wonderful with children of all ages. He has a very funny sense of humour and loves to talk about his big Irish family – as well as talking and singing in Spanish and Italian!
The Benefits of Intergenerational Interaction
Tim, a teacher at The Links said, “The students that have been attending these visits, although perhaps not showing it during our visits, have thoroughly enjoyed the time they spend at The Orchard. This has led to many great conversations afterwards about the stories shared by the residents and we compare how times have changed. For example, our students have said that they enjoyed learning about D-day during the recent commemorations and the various activities the residents used to engage in when they were young - and spending time with Daisy is especially popular. We look forward to continuing our blossoming connection with The Orchard!”
The Orchard’s wellbeing team have always made a special effort to form lasting friendships within the local community as the benefits of intergenerational interaction for residents are significant. It’s wonderful to see that the relationship with Links Academy is helping both students and residents and Daisy the dog has taken brilliantly to her role as The Orchard’s ambassador!
Discover The Orchard Nursing Home in St Albans
The Orchard Nursing Home, a modern and comfortable care home based in St Albans is beautifully furnished and offers residential, nursing and dementia care. Our location makes us convenient for family and friends who are visiting the home, and we’re perfectly located for a host of different outings across Hertfordshire.
For more information about The Orchard Nursing Home, please visit our dedicated page for more information. You can also find information on our other care homes by exploring our site. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to find out more.
