Generations come together for care home open week | News from Saxonwood
Generations come together for care home open week
This week residents at Sussex Housing & Care’s not for profit care homes in Haywards Heath, Battle and Crowborough, were joined by students from local schools to celebrate national care home open week.
Together they weaved colourful wool around cardboard templates to create four framed collages. The intergenerational event was an opportunity for the two generations to connect and learn about each other, sharing stories and enjoying new company and being creative.
Oakwood Court care home in Haywards Heath
Residents at Oakwood Court welcomed students from Warden Park Academy, Bolnore Primary School and Holy Trinity Primary School, along with Deputy Mayor Abdul Bashar. Niblock Building Contractors kindly sponsored the event by donating the picture frames.
Henry, 14, from Warden Park Academy said: “I enjoyed hearing Jack’s interesting stories and the art was therapeutic and relaxing.”
Students from Claverham Community College, Battle and Langton Primary School and Battle Pre School visited Saxonwood.
Joan, 100, who lives at Saxonwood said: “The children have been so polite and I’ve enjoyed their company, from the little ones to the bigger ones!”
Noah, age 14 from Claverham Community College remarked: “I’ve enjoyed talking to Ruby about her childhood growing up in London and our mutual love of West Ham Football club. We did well making the art!”
Woodlands care home in Crowborough
Students from St Johns Primary School and Ashdown Primary School were welcomed to Woodlands along with Mayor of Crowborough Councillor Natalie Whittle and Councillor Everett. Alan Penney from Crowborough Community Church and Annick King from Crowborough Rotary Club also joined the fun.
Fred, 87, and Joyce, 85, husband and wife who live at Woodlands said: “Children have amazing and different views on life, we could chat and sit with them all day long!“
Mayor of Crowborough, Councillor Whittle, took part: “It’s wonderful to see young people collaborating and working together with residents at Woodlands. Care homes are very much at the heart of our community.”
We were also privileged to welcome ITV Merdian News to Woodlands care home, who reported on our successful intergenerational event and shone a light on the positive impact of our residential care:
Tracy Evans, Chief Executive at Sussex Housing & Care reflected on the week: “We’ve loved celebrating with our local communities and welcoming all generations into our homes. These connections go far beyond a single week—they’re a regular and vital part of life in our care homes. “We put residents at the heart of everything we do” isn’t just one of our values on a poster on the wall—it’s part of who we are at Sussex Housing & Care.
We’re incredibly proud of our dedicated teams—their compassion, commitment, and daily efforts make a real difference in the lives of our residents.
Thank you to everyone who has been involved in this wonderful week which has brought a smile to so many faces!”
National care home open week is led by Championing Social Care who are a voluntary organisation who promote the incredible value of the social care sector to society.