4 June 2021

Darlinghurst Academy pupils spread smiles with sunflowers

Kind-hearted pupils from Darlinghurst Academy recently brought sunshine and smiles to our residents by planting sunflowers in their garden.

The children aged 6-10 recently planted the sunflowers at Admiral Court, our Outstanding care home in Leigh on Sea as part of an intergenerational initiative to bring some much-needed happiness to care home residents in the local area.

Prior to the pandemic, our residential, nursing and dementia home regularly invited children from local schools and nurseries to spend time with the residents.

During the pandemic, the National Literacy Trust paired our home with the school to exchange letters, combat loneliness whilst residents couldn’t receive visitors and help the children with their reading and writing.

To further nurture this relationship between students and residents, teacher Mrs Anisa Lee suggested that the children provide a little sunshine, by planting sunflowers for the residents at our home.

Armed with trowels, watering cans and support canes, the children planted their sunflowers while residents happily watched from a safe distance.

Mrs Lee asked the children why they were planting sunflowers. All the children shouted out, “to bring you some sunshine and happiness!”

Lifestyles Team Leader at Admiral Court Care Home, Sarah Savidge said: “During lockdown, the team became the residents’ family.

“We sought lots of different ways to connect residents with their loved ones by phone, internet, postcards and letters. We are able to facilitate visits with family members and friends in resident’s rooms and in our specially built visiting suites. However, we have not been able to facilitate visits from school children since March 2020.

“The visit in the gardens was an emotional event for all of us as we got to reunite with one another again.”

Mrs Nicholls, the principal at Darlinghurst Academy said: “Our Junior Governor’s, were delighted to be part of such a special moment. They wanted to sow smiles and happiness for the residents, especially after being unable to be with loved ones, during lockdown. At Darlinghurst Academy, we encourage our children to be active citizens and know that their actions can make a big difference. Our continued connections with Admiral Court, has a positive impact on all generations – such a sense of belonging!”

Residents of the care home were overjoyed at seeing the school children and receiving the sunflowers.

Resident, Mavis Brazier, 96 said: “The children really did bring sunshine and cheered us all up!”

Resident, Gordon Smith, 74 said: It was nice to see the future generations at work and play.”

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