Dorset care home residents and schoolchildren unite to help the environment

Two care homes in Dorset participated in a newly launched environmental initiative, bringing together local schoolchildren and residents for a day of craft activities.

Residents from Care UK’s Ferndown Manor, on Golf Links Road, recently visited children at Parley First School as they took part in Generations of Change, an intergenerational initiative launched in line with Global Recycling Day to unite older and younger people in a shared mission of environmental stewardship. 

The new Care UK Generations of Change programme aims to harness the wisdom of older members of society and the fresh perspectives of children during hands-on activities linked to biodiversity, climate change and sustainable gardening, creating opportunities for a fulfilling knowledge exchange that will benefit the planet.   

To do their bit, Ferndown Manor residents worked with the youngsters to construct the story of The Very Hungry Caterpillar using recyclable materials that would normally otherwise have been thrown away.

The children and residents worked side by side to craft a colourful caterpillar and all the fruit it munches throughout the story using cardboard egg boxes.

81-year-old resident Lesley Pond said: “I thoroughly enjoyed working alongside the children, they are a joy and had some wonderful ideas about our environment and shared what they are already doing to protect the future. 

“It is always a pleasure to be around the younger generation, their enthusiasm is infectious and gives me hope.”

Meanwhile, at The Potteries in Broadstone, children from Canford Heath Junior School joined together with residents to create different animals using recyclable materials. 

They worked side by side to craft their own puffins, turtles and sharks using plastic bottles, paper plates and egg boxes.

89-year-old resident Sheila La Riviere said: “I had a lovely morning with the children, and to be able to express and share our creative sides together was wonderful. 

“It's important to educate the younger generation about the environment and how we can all help to make it better.”

Aligned with school curriculums, this was the first of many Generations of Change projects planned at Ferndown Manor and The Potteries, bringing a unique bidirectional learning model into the homes that allows residents to mentor children on traditional conservation practices while children share modern perspectives on sustainable living during their shared environmental projects. 

Beyond environmental education, this initiative aims to combat loneliness in older people by fostering meaningful connections that promote a sense of purpose, enriching the lives of both generations as they work together towards a more sustainable future. 

Care UK has also created downloadable packs with resources for teachers and groups, including fun, interactive activities to help facilitate intergenerational lessons, with the educational packs covering topics from biodiversity to food sustainability, climate change and recycling. 

Sara Muslin, Home Manager at Ferndown Manor, said: “It was amazing to see the children and residents working together in this incredible project. Their enthusiasm to work together to do their bit for the planet was infectious and inspiring.”

Zita Turner, Home Manager at The Potteries, added: “The Generations of Change initiative allows residents and children to learn from one another and share knowledge – it was great seeing it come to life. Their wonderful animal creations will hopefully brighten up the school for many months to come.

“A huge thank you to Canford Heath Junior School for joining us and we hope to work together again soon for the benefit of our planet!”

For more information about Care UK’s Generations of Change, and to download the free resources, visit careuk.com/generations-of-change

In 2024, Care UK secured official accreditation for the high standards it used to measure corporate greenhouse gas emissions, an important milestone in its journey of reducing carbon emissions and achieving net zero by 2040. Care UK continues to work towards having at least one Sustainability Champion in each of their 160+ homes and Generations of Change complements the organisation’s ESG values and dedication to sustainability, community and intergenerational relationships. 

More than 99% of Care UK’s general waste was diverted from landfill last year, alongside the reduction of unnecessary pharmaceutical waste, and investments continue to be made in home upgrades such as environmentally friendly LED lighting and salary sacrifice schemes to encourage team members to cycle or switch to electric vehicles. 

Ferndown Manor has been designed to deliver the very best standards of care and to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives in a luxury environment. The home provides full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. The care home also boasts its very own cinema and hair salon, while offering plenty of space, both indoors and out, for relaxation and recreation.