Residents at Brookvale House welcomed the autumnal weather with a seasonal arts and craft activity. The residents made Top Hat Scarecrows for their young friends at the Bright Horizons Pre School in Portswood. Along with providing the residents with a feeling of community, the activity was beneficial in helping the residents with coordination and dexterity.
Residents were very keen to make the hats for the children and give the hats to them. The residents have missed the children visiting the home as due to Covid-19 restrictions, they have not been able to see them.
Brookvale House has been pleased to see the strong bond created between the residents of the Home and the children at the Bright Horizons Pre-School. It has been proven that these intergenerational activities and visits benefit both the residents and the children in many ways.
Research has shown that children who visit the elderly improve in their self-esteem and confidence when visiting new environments and have increased empathy. The residents also benefit as they share stories and experiences, which can help combat the feelings of loneliness or isolation which may sometimes develop.
The children were equally pleased to have received the hats from their friends at Brookvale House and commented on their hand-made gifts:
“It’s a Scarecrow!” 
“Scarecrows scare the birds away”
“We haven’t been to the care home for a long time “
“When will we be able to sing songs at the care home?”
“I like these hats “
Thank you to the Bright Horizons Pre-School for providing lovely feedback and wonderful photographs of the Children enjoying their hats!
