Care home residents join community clay workshop with young people | News

Oakwood Court care home in Haywards Heath has taken part in national care home open week by connecting residents with the local community, including students from local primary and secondary schools. 

Students, residents, families and staff came together to make clay trinket dishes at an intergenerational workshop led by professional artists. 

The morning was a hive of activity and Khyla, 14, from Warden Park Academy said: “The atmosphere here is a community which I feel like I’m part of and everyone is really caring of each other. During the workshop I spoke to Sheila who was born in 1936 about her love of cricket and football!” 

For Hiba, 11, from Bolnore Primary School it was her first time in a care home: “It’s been a busy morning and fun to meet and talk to older people. It was really fun using the clay and I’ve made decorations to hang up.” 

Sheila who lives at Oakwood Court reflected on her morning and commented: “It’s been exciting and I’ve loved meeting all the young children, I’ve done lots of chatting!” 

National care home open week is led by a charitable group called ‘Championing Social Care’ and the aim is to integrate care homes with the local community and shine a light on the social care sector. 

Danielle, whose mother lives at Oakwood Court observed the impact of the workshop: “I’ve seen mum get stuck in and working with clay today has brought back memories of all the fine pottery she collected over the years. It’s been great for the generations to meet and see they have something in common; lots more in common than people think.” 

Oakwood Court was delighted to welcome the Mayor of Haywards Heath, Councillor Stephanie Inglesfield, to the event. She said: “I’ve seen and heard the bonds and relationships that have blossomed between happy residents and children throughout the morning. Opportunities like this bring the generations together which benefits everyone, it’s been brilliant.” 

Tracy Evans, Chief Executive of Sussex Housing & Care who run Oakwood Court care home, said: It’s been wonderful to see so many smiles and conversations. Thank you to Warden Park Academy, Bolnore Village Primary School and Holy Trinity Primary School for joining residents, and to the families and local people who also took part. Intergenerational activity not only benefits our residents but also the young people who visit us.” 

For more information about Oakwood Court care home please visit Oakwood Court's webpage.