24 August 2018

Hallmark Care Homes partners with The Together Project

We have joined forces with The Together Project, a not-for-profit social enterprise that runs creative activities to unite different age groups to tackle loneliness and bring joy.

From September onwards, our England homes will host weekly Songs & Smiles sessions for residents, 0-4 year olds and their parents from the local community.

Some of the residents will also be involved in facilitating the sessions by acting as welcomers as children and parents arrive.

Songs & Smiles has been designed to entertain and engage everyone from the youngest to the oldest members of the group, through singing, movement, instruments, coloured scarves and bubbles.

Each Songs & Smiles session lasts approximately an hour, with the musical activity followed by refreshments and a meet and mingle with the residents.

The purpose of the activity is to reduce loneliness, improve well-being, tackle ageism and unite local communities through joyful intergenerational activities.

Head of Dementia at Hallmark Care Homes, April Dobson said: “Hallmark Care Homes is delighted to partner with The Together Project as we know that intergenerational activities can help to improve the residents’ physical and emotional well-being.

“Through the partnership we will bring different generations and the local community together in our homes – this is fundamental element of our model of relationship-centred care and its great fun!”

Founder of The Together Project, Louise Goulden said: “We’re so pleased to be announcing a partnership with Hallmark Care Homes. It means we can spread the Songs & Smiles joy to hundreds of children, parents and older people across the country, bringing everyone together for music, fun and friendship.

“It’s an exciting step for The Together Project and we’re thrilled to be working with an organisation that shares our commitment to enriching the lives of people living in residential care.”

Hallmark Care Homes first weekly Songs & Smiles session will take place at Lakeview Care Home in Lightwater, Surrey on Thursday 20th September at 2:30pm.

Please note we ask all visitors pay £1 entry per child and 50p per sibling and this includes free refreshments.

For further information and to register your interest in attending a Songs & Smiles session, please email songs@thetogetherproject.co.uk.

Address: Lightwater Road, Lightwater, Surrey, GU18 5XQ.

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