It's the most wonderful time of the year

This week the residents of Broadlands Lodge have well and truly spread the Christmas magic. The home has been descended upon by the Christmas elves, the trees have been lit, the lights have been hung and there is a slight frost covering the grounds.

As well as keeping busy with all things Christmas, our residents have started to prepare their letters and artwork for the schools in the local community, through the wonderful charity Friend In Deed.

Friend In Deed works with more than 20 schools in the local area, to provide a pen pal scheme. Every week Friend In Deed visit our residents with their ‘Little Visitors Group’ of young children and babies. However, the pen pal scheme works to connect our residents with schools and other education provisions. The pen pal scheme includes writing letters, sending pictures and examples of class work. This then becomes a reciprocal process for both our residents and the schools and communities they are in contact with. This scheme works with both UK schools and schools abroad.

Intergenerational visits and communication have been proven to benefit both the older generation and young people. For children, this interaction can help with their development, ability to form friendships and also encourage them to communicate effectively. For older children, these visits can help with their ability to empathise with others and can result in meaningful friendships and a means of support throughout their adolescent years.

At Broadlands Lodge we think its especially important for our residents to stay active members of the community.

We hope the local schools enjoy receiving our letters and artwork over the festive period and look forward to building upon those relationships.