Scarecrow brings Thorrington pupils and care home residents together to learn about dementia

A Thorrington care home has teamed up with a local school as part of an intergenerational project aimed at dispelling the myths and stigma associated with dementia.

The Care UK team from Silversprings care home, on Tenpenny Hill, joined pupils from Millfields Primary School to kick off The Archie Project, an initiative which links local primary schools to care homes.

Created by Reminiscence Learning, the project is centred around a brightly knitted scarecrow called Archie, designed to help pupils understand how dementia can affect older people. The pupils, who dressed their teachers as scarecrows at the special assembly, came together to learn about the effects of the condition and how, as a society, we can help those with dementia to live well.

The partnership involves the children working with residents over several weeks on arts and crafts activities, as well as talking about what life used to be like when they were at school. Pupils will also take part in a Dementia Friends session as part of a wider initiative which aims to transform the way people think, act and talk about the condition.

Donna Cousins, home manager at Silversprings, said: “We are delighted to partner with Millfields Primary School to launch The Archie Project.

“Pupils had a wonderful time learning more about Archie and residents are excited to welcome them to Silversprings very soon. It is important for the children to gain confidence in speaking to an older generation, and to understand their needs. We are looking forward to continuing the work with pupils at Millfields Primary School, with upcoming projects including arts and crafts, gardening and memory sharing.”

Silversprings is a modern care home set in attractive grounds and designed to support residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives. It provides residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care

For more information about the event, please call customer relations manager, Rana Kolivand, on 01206 807 551, or email rana.kolivand@careuk.com

For general information about Silversprings, please visit careuk.com/silversprings