Intergenerational mixing Making music


Another example of opportunities that have brought generations together at The Nursery in Belong is an intergenerational choir that has expanded to involve the local community. Dubbed the ‘Sankofa Songsters’, the choir takes its name from the Ghanaian word meaning ‘to retrieve’, which is symbolised by a bird with forward-facing feet and its head turned backwards, carrying an egg in its mouth, representing the need to reflect on the past to build a successful future, a value that is enshrined in the nursery’s intergenerational curriculum. Inspired by the nursery’s weekly intergenerational musical ‘stay and play’ sessions, residents came up with the idea of forming a choir together with the children. Both initiatives are led by music teacher Amanda Wrigley, who runs music and movement sessions for schools, pre- schools and nurseries under the moniker ‘Live the Beat’. They are made possible with grants from Curious Minds North West, which aims to improve the lives of children and young people through participation in arts and culture, and Cheshire West and Chester Council Member Budgets. Working alongside Belong’s intergenerational practice lead, the


Alan reports that the nursery has had a transformative effect on their wellbeing. “It has brought the joy back into our lives”, he says. “Having the nursery children around reminds me of what it was like when our children were young.”


One resident said: “Giving the baby her bottle made me feel young and needed again.”


“Thank you – the children have given me my mum back,” said the daughter of another resident.


Interest in this pioneering work is


growing, nationally and internationally. The Nursery in Belong works in partnership with the universities of Stirling and Northumbria to research the benefits of the approach for children, residents, and their families, as well as early years and care workforces.


The Nursery in Belong has also been distinguished globally, recently receiving the International Innovation Award at the Generations Working Together Excellence Awards, which celebrate learning and


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children and residents select the songs they wish to sing, including Edelweiss and Somewhere Over The Rainbow. They have also chosen to incorporate drumming sessions involving a large gathering drum and smaller hand drums.


Members of the local community are


now getting involved, with resident Shirley Heaton attending with her daughter Tracey, and Amanda’s father also starting to join in. Local pianist Pete Hardie, who volunteers at the community care village, has begun playing piano to accompany the singing. Tracey Heaton said: “It gives me a chance


to see both my mum and other people in the moment, feeling that they can all participate together.”


Nursery manager Ruth added: “The choir really has brought immense joy to village life. It’s particularly exciting that this is


led by the residents and children. Even for people who might not be living with dementia, music has an almost unique ability to evoke joy and memories, which can help to maintain cognitive functioning and well-being. This is really helpful for people living with dementia and, of course, for our children as they develop their language and communication skills.”


Where the arts belong Belong has a track record of exploring the benefits of arts for people living in care settings, including incorporating painting, crafts and pottery into a diverse programme of activities and events. This has continued at Belong Chester, integrated with intergenerational practice, with projects facilitated by partnerships with external groups, including schools, museums, and arts organisations, serving to extend reach into the local community and widen participation. Inspired by resources from the


Grosvenor Museum, including portraits of famous Chester sons and daughters from the Victorian age, residents and nursery children took it in turns to paint and draw self-portraits on consecutive days, with the artworks later displayed at the museum.


success in building intergenerational relationships.


Looking ahead


The vision for The Nursery in Belong Chester is to build on this existing work and provide a blueprint for intergenerational practice.


Susan Goldsmith


Susan Goldsmith is chief operating officer at Belong and has over 30 years’ experience in frontline nursing and senior management roles, including as head of dementia and care improvement at one the UK’s largest care operators. A trained dementia care mapper, she has developed a number of dementia care models and frameworks. Her work has been published in numerous academic papers, and she is a contributing author of an Amazon top- selling book focused on person-centred dementia care.


With two more villages planned, subject to the continued success of The Nursery in Belong, there is the opportunity to incorporate intergenerational design into more locations. Our focus will continue to be very much on assisting customers to live fulfilling lives, no matter their age or health. n


www.thecarehomeenvironment.com April 2024


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