Abbeyfield’s mission is to help people in later life – but we’re equally passionate in playing a role in the wider communities around our services and engaging people at all stages of their lives.
Two of our care homes – Halcyon House in Formby, and Sandwood in Nottingham – have recently been working in their communities to bring an intergenerational element into their activities.
At Halcyon House, a weekly Thursday afternoon visit from a local nursery school provides an opportunity for the children and residents to play, read, draw pictures or do some arts and crafts together.
The project has been running since autumn 2024, and is managed by the activities coordinator, Helena Bradshaw.
She recalls, “When I arranged the first visit, the residents were probably more excited than the children!
“The children were perhaps a little nervous, but soon everyone was playing together, and they were happy to approach a resident with a toy or a book. As it’s a weekly event, we find that some children have formed special friendships with particular residents who they tend to gravitate towards each time.”
The sessions also give the residents the opportunity to do something different. Some residents may not be comfortable playing with Lego on their own, but it can be a whole different scenario when children are eager to get involved alongside them.
The children have even come up with a name for their new group of friends.
“They call them their Grand-Family,” says Helena.
“It’s great to see the smile on everyone’s face when Thursday afternoons come around, and they are genuinely excited to see each other. For some of the residents that don’t receive many visits from their family, it enables them to form meaningful relationships with younger people, and vice versa for the children that don’t have grandparents or see them much.”
The playgroup also presents the opportunity to celebrate special occasions together. At Christmas, the residents were treated to a musical performance by the children, who had also made a calendar for each of them for the New Year and decorations for their Christmas tree.
Helena explains, “With the arts and crafts activities especially, everyone can get involved. Some of the older children can even teach our residents how to make things if they’ve done it before!”
The regular sessions have also help spread the word in the local community, and it has encouraged parents and grandparents to attend some of the house’s public-facing events and meet the residents themselves, who are often treated as part of their extended family.
New friendships are blossoming at Sandwood, where babies, toddlers and the residents are brought together each week for a heart-warming intergenerational playgroup.
Launched in February, Sandwood Seedlings welcomes young families into the home’s bright, open-plan lounge and dining space where, for a small donation, parents can enjoy a relaxed and welcoming session where their children share stories, toys and laughter with their older friends.
Cerron, who attends with her young child, said: “We love coming to playgroup – it’s the highlight of our week.”
Another parent, Ingrid, added: “It’s lovely to mix with other parents and for the children to spend time with the residents.”
Sandwood’s residents eagerly look forward to Thursdays just as much.
“I think we’re lucky to have it,” said resident Connie.
Fellow resident Glenys said that playtime with the youngsters helps her to reminisce: “It keeps us in touch with the world of children and reminds us of the past.”
Each week at Sandwood Seedlings features a different theme – from dinosaurs to under-the-sea adventures, Chinese New Year celebrations and a World Book Day Mad Hatter’s tea party – with related toys and storybooks laid out to encourage shared engagement and memory-making.
The playgroup was created by Sandwood’s activities coordinator, Mel Spouge, who joined the home in September 2025.
“Creating an intergenerational playgroup was really a no-brainer,” Mel says. “My predecessor had run a stay and play session for children in the past, so I knew there would be interest.
“Our residents always enjoy visits from local schools and nurseries, so this playgroup gives them the chance to interact with young people more often, and can provide comfort and emotional support for both them and the children.
“We’ve done a little publicity, but word of mouth has been the best promotion. Parents can see how much their children enjoy it – and some have brought friends along the following week.”
Read more news and articles from Abbeyfield
09/10/2026
Going the distance for our residents
Staff members Bobbie, Iris, Pam and Shirley at the Abbeyfield Canvey Island Society have completed a half marathon (13.1 miles) to raise funds for their Residents' social fund, on the 6th of October 2026. Dressed in tutus and bunny ears, these dedicated staff members took on this challenge to advocate against the issue of loneliness among older people.
Read More
01/10/2026
Celebrating the International Day of Older People!
Celebrating the United Nations' International Day of Older Persons, this 1st of October and exploring what this day means to Abbeyfield England.
Read More
22/09/2026
Super Sarah goes the distance
Sarah Hutchinson, Regional Operations Manager at Abbeyfield Living Society (ALS), took on The Wall on 13-14 June, running an incredible 70 miles along Hadrian’s Wall from Carlisle to Newcastle.
Read More