YOUNG and old have been spending time playing together to build relationships in a series of heartwarming workshops at a Salisbury care home.

Children and parents have been visiting the residents of Milford House Care Home as part of a new project.

Imagine This Workshops use a wide range of themes and activities for children to take part in a morning of fun and learning, all the while forming strong bonds with the local care home residents.

Primary school teachers and workshop organisers, Rebecca Stoodley and Kirsty Agate, believe these sessions are important for creating inter-generational links in a fun and calm learning environment.

Rebecca said: “Residents have commented on how much they enjoy seeing the little ones at play and how this interaction evokes special memories for them.

“The positive feedback received from parents, and the support from the local community has been both touching, and overwhelming.

“It’s great to offer the residents who don’t have grandkids this opportunity and perhaps even the children who don’t have a grandparent figure.”

Carol, who is a resident at the home, said: “It gives a nice, warm feeling, the children being here.”

When asked whether the workshop could be introduced at Milford House, hospitality services manager at the care home Scarlet Leatham said they had “jumped at the chance”.

“It’s really lovely, even if people aren’t actively taking part they’re just sitting and enjoying watching, and quite a few of the children now are getting to know people so they will be very natural and go up to residents and have a chat,” she said.

Academic learning and life skills are integrated into every session through fun themes for both the children and for the older generation to get involved with.

General manager at Milford House, Marie-Therese Tiernan, added: “This has been a fabulous experience for everyone.”

The sessions take place on Tuesdays between 10.30am and 11.30am.

For more information, or to book a place at a workshop, email learn@imaginethis-eyfs.co.uk