Scarecrow brings Knebworth pupils and care home residents together

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

Residents from Care UK’s Knebworth, on London Road, welcomed pupils from Knebworth Primary School as part of 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, and has been designed to help pupils understand how dementia can affect older people.

The Care UK team at Knebworth kicked off the project by leading a special assembly to introduce Archie and his story. Dressing their teacher and teaching assistant up as scarecrows, pupils learnt all about the effects of the condition and how, as a society, we can help those with dementia to live well.

Pupils will begin visiting Knebworth in the new year as part of the partnership, which involves the children working with residents over several months on various 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.

Vera Moreira-Henocq, Home Manager at Knebworth, said: “We are delighted to partner with Knebworth Primary School to launch The Archie Project.

“Pupils had a wonderful time learning more about Archie and residents are looking forward to welcoming them to Knebworth. It is important for the children to gain confidence in speaking to an older generation, and to understand their needs. 

“This is the beginning of a blossoming friendship between older and younger generations, and we are looking forward to continuing the work with Knebworth Primary School, with upcoming activities including tea parties, reading sessions and summer fetes.”

Knebworth is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, nursing, dementia and short-term respite care. The care home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hair salon and café.

For more information on Knebworth and to book your place for the event, please call Customer Relations Manager, Paula Brown, on 01438 893411, or email paula.brown@careuk.com.

For more general information, please go to careuk.com/knebworth.