Scarecrow brings Chelmsford pupils and care home together

A Chelmsford care home has teamed up with a local school to launch an intergenerational project for the fifth year in a row.

Residents from Care UK’s Manor Lodge, on Manor Road, has partnered with pupils from St Michael’s Junior School as part of The Archie Project, an initiative which links local primary schools to care homes designed to dispel myths and stigma often associated with dementia.

Created by Reminiscence Learning, the project is centred around a brightly knitted scarecrow called Archie and has been designed to help pupils understand how dementia can affect older people.

The Care UK team at Manor Lodge was joined by pupils to kick off the project by taking part in a sponsored 7km walk, raising £3,800 for Alzheimer’s Society. Also joining the fun was Archie, the scarecrow, to help teach the children about the effects of dementia and how as a society we can help those with dementia continue to live fulfilling lives.

Pupils will visit Manor Lodge regularly as part of the partnership, working with residents on various activities, including sharing memories and stories from their own time at school.

Mrs Orten, Year 4 class teacher said: “We’re honoured to be working alongside Manor Lodge as part of the Archie Project and look forward to continuing to build our relationships with residents!”

Maggie Ziemianska, Deputy Home Manager at Manor Lodge, added: “We’re delighted to have partnered with St Michael’s Junior School to launch The Archie Project.

“Pupils had a wonderful time getting out into nature while raising money for a worthy cause and residents are looking forward to welcoming them to Manor Lodge. It’s important for children to gain confidence in speaking to older generations, and intergenerational friendships around important topics, such as dementia, are a brilliant way to do just that.

“This is the beginning of a blossoming friendship between older and younger generations, and we are looking forward to continuing to work with St Michael’s Primary School!”

Manor Lodge is a modern care home which provides full-time residential, dementia nursing and short-term respite care. Designed to enable its residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema and hair salon, and there is plenty of space both in and outdoors for relaxation and recreation.