Children from Prince of Wales Pre-School in Dorchester brought smiles, songs, and boundless energy to residents at nearby Cheriton Care Home during a special cross-generational activity session hosted by Truth be Told from Dorchester Family Church.
Just a short stroll along Maiden Castle Road separates the pre-school from the home on Weymouth Avenue, yet the relationship between the two spans many years and continues to grow.
During the visit, children and residents joined together for lively activities including singing, dancing, balloon games, and playtime with a giant rainbow parachute before tucking into cakes and refreshments.
Residents are already looking forward to welcoming the children back for their much-loved Christmas carol performance which has become an annual tradition and firm favourite of the festive season.
Cheriton Manager Matt Dennis-Andrew recognises the importance of the care home embracing the local community:
“The relationship between the pre-school and the home is well established, and it’s genuinely heartwarming to see the generations blending so naturally. The children visit every week, a tradition that goes back to even before Covid, and they’re very much missed during school holidays.
“The activities include everything from story times and singing to performances from Weymouth Brass Band, and are incredibly stimulating for our residents, both mentally and physically. For some, it’s also a valuable moment of reminiscence, especially for those living with dementia; and for the children, it helps break down stereotypes about older people and life in care homes.”
Cheriton Care Home is an active part of the local community, having supported the Dorchester Harmony Flower Festival at St Mary’s Church, running a charity cake sale at SummerFest in Weymouth, and hosting a stall at Dorchester market to meet local people.
The home prides itself on an open, family-friendly ethos, encouraging relatives and visitors to take an active and meaningful role in daily life at the home.
Click images to enlarge (on some screens)
