Local primary school children and care home residents complete ‘Tree of Life’ project

Children from St. Colmcille’s Primary School, pictured outside Galgorm Care Home, Ballymena.

Pupils from St. Colmcille’s Primary School in Ballymena have recently proved themselves to be ‘intergenerational champions’ after completing a joint project with elderly residents of Galgorm Care Home in the town.

The project, organised by Linking Generations Northern Ireland, involved the children and the care home residents in embark on a journey together, learning the skills of needlework and embroidery, to jointly create a beautiful display titled, ‘Tree of Life’.

It was originally envisaged that the care home residents would visit the local primary school and enjoy working jointly with the children but with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, plans changed, and both children and their care home partners adapted to use the innovation of Zoom to see their endeavours through to completion.

The final result is the creation of a ‘Tree of Life’ display which will remain permanently within the school.

Linking Generations Northern Ireland (LGNI) is an organisation with a vision to inspire and support the growth of an age-friendly society through connecting older and younger people.

LGNI uses their expertise to empower communities, organisations and decision makers to use and recognise intergenerational approaches to social change, through our tailor-made projects, training programmes and community networks of intergenerational supporters.

The benefits for both children and the elderly have been clearly documented.

According to Erik Erikson, one of the first psychologists to describe social development across a lifetime, connections between youths and an older generation can give a sense of fulfillment to the elderly.

Intergenerational relationships can invigorate and energise older adults as well as help reduce the likelihood of depression and loneliness. These relationships can also aide in cognitive stimulation and provide an opportunity for the older adult to learn new skills.

Not only is intergenerational relationships beneficial for the elderly – but it also helps fill a void for children who do not have grandparents. Many older adults can be a tremendous resource for youths as they tell them about history and times past, and share a lifetime of accumulated wisdom.

The interaction between older people and children can also help teach the young how to be and how to become – helping them socialise and giving them emotional support by teaching empathy and character.

Commenting on the completion of the project between St. Colmcille’s and Galgorm Care Home, a spokesperson for Linking Generations Northern Ireland congratulated old and young alike:

“Thank you for being intergenerational champions and helping us keep generations connected in the toughest times!”