September kicked off a new six-week intergenerational project where kids from Ridgeway School in Farnham (ages 8–14) are connecting with residents at Abbeyfield Wey Valley's Hatch Mill Care Home. Led by Intergenerational Music Making (IMM), the sessions are all about using music and creativity to spread happiness, fight loneliness, and build real connections between different ages.
The first workshop was filled with smiles, singing, and laughs as kids and residents spent the morning singing songs, sharing stories, and getting to know each other. Charlotte Miller, co-founder of Intergenerational England and Director of IMM, says, "Our goal is to turn these moments into real lasting bonds that boost well-being, confidence, empathy and a sense of intergenerational belonging for everyone involved."
In the UK, less than 10% of kids live near someone over 65, so there aren’t many chances for them to connect, share wisdom, or support each other. IMM has seen how music and creativity can break down walls and bring different generations together. Their work in schools, care homes and communities helps create spaces where people of all ages feel valued and connected.
Abbeyfield Wey Valley Society is a charity that’s been improving older people’s lives for over 40 years. One of their main goals is to fight loneliness and help residents stay healthy physically, mentally, and emotionally. Tammie Baker, the manager at Hatch Mill, says, "We focus on making this a home full of chances to learn, socialize, and have fun. Our partnership with IMM creates some truly special interactions between the generations and it is a joy for all of us to see the connections created through partnering IMM."
Discover Hatch Mill
Hatch Mill is a residential home with 45 bedrooms, situated in Farnham, Surrey.
The home offers both residential and nursing care for older individuals and is situated in a prime location with excellent transportation links and a vibrant array of local shops, restaurants, and facilities.
Hatch Mill also offers personalised respite care packages that are specifically tailored to meet the needs of each individual.
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