Children from Southam St James CofE Academy have helped to spread some Christmas cheer by singing for residents at Tithe Lodge Independent Living Scheme.
Residents at the Southam-based scheme run by local housing provider Orbit, are all aged 55 years or older and were treated to festive tunes sung by the school choir. Residents then surprised the children with chocolate selection boxes to take home.
The school has a long-standing relationship with the scheme thanks to Orbit’s partnership with InCommon – an organisation that helps to connect groups of young people with their older neighbours in retirement homes to help boost older people's wellbeing, support children's social and emotional learning, and build more age-friendly communities.
Zoe O’Reilly, Ageing Well Lead for Orbit said: “Residents really value the children’s visits. Both residents and children really benefit from sharing their different experiences and outlooks on life. Connecting the different generations and bringing everyone together is really what Christmas is all about and we’re looking forward to offering more activities to support residents’ wellbeing next year too.”
Laura Constable, Headteacher at Southam St James CofE Academy added: “We have really enjoyed spreading some festive cheer to the residents. I am also especially proud that this particular visit was brought about by an idea from a pupil in Year 4 who was worried that residents wouldn’t be able to enjoy our singing at the Light Switch on.”
Heather, resident at Tithe Lodge commented: “We love it when the children visit. Hearing them sing was truly delightful and really got us all in the Christmas spirit.”
Tithe Lodge offers 75 residents the independence of their own apartment with access to care services and other on-site facilities such as a spa, library and cinema. It is one of 5,000 independent living and supported living properties managed by Orbit across the Midlands, East London and the South East of England providing a home for more than 7,000 people aged over 55.