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Wings
Playing generation games
Spanning the generations, a new scheme is bringing together the oldest and youngest members of our community. Deborah Wain reports
A HEART-warming community project has been launched to bring the area’s youngest
and oldest residents together.
‘Big Little Smiles’ runs baby and toddler play groups
in three care homes around the Wings area. Organiser Tania Shelley said residents join in with nursery rhymes, reading with the infants, and doing
crafts.
“The elderly residents love playing and cuddling the
children and it really brings a little joy to their day. One woman who is aged 101 cried and said she never thought she’d hold a baby again.
“The mums involved, about ten each session, also say they get a buzz out of it.”
Tania, from Wingerworth, came up with the idea when she was looking for volunteering opportunities while on maternity leave from her job as a marketing manager. She wanted a role where she could take
daughter Sophie, now aged 20 months, along.
Her plan was given an enthusiastic welcome by the care homes she approached and the sessions started in January.
The playgroups run every Thursday at 3pm at Hill House and the Old Vicarage in Clay Cross and The Green in Hasland, including during school holidays.
More carers with young children are being encouraged to get involved. For more information visit facebook.com/biglittle smileschesterfield/ or ring Tanya on 07817801538.
‘The elderly residents love playing and cuddling the children and it really brings a little joy to their day’
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