Friendship and Connection: Reflecting on Our Intergenerational Programme with Nazareth House.
As we come to the end of another year at Bumbles, we’ve been reflecting on one of the most meaningful parts of our day; our intergenerational partnership with Nazareth Care Village. Many years ago, we began visits to Nazareth, not fully realising just how special these meet-ups would become. Today, they have become an essential part of our routine at Bumbles by the Park. Nazareth Care Village are a short walk from our Park Road setting and this provides a wonderful opportunity for our children to visit, resulting in them forming friendships, building their confidence in the wider world, and enjoying experiences with the community in the most heartfelt way.
One lasting memory is being invited to plant a tree in the Nazareth gardens—an enduring symbol of the friendship rooted between Bumbles and Nazareth. Just like our tree, the bond between our organisations continues to grow year after year.
🌼 A Year of Moments, Seasons, and Shared Joy
This past year has been filled with visits across all seasons. From crisp autumn mornings to bright spring afternoons, the children and the residents have spent time singing songs, playing games, sharing stories, and simply enjoying each other’s company. These encounters are always filled with joy and curiosity—children eager to chat, and older residents delighted by their energy.
💛 The Benefits of Intergenerational Friendships
Our time at Nazareth Care Village continues to highlight just how powerful intergenerational relationships can be. Some of the key benefits include:
For Children
- Improved social skills through meaningful interactions beyond their peer group.
- Growing confidence when communicating with older adults.
- Greater empathy and understanding, learning to appreciate different life experiences.
- A sense of belonging in the community, seeing firsthand how they can bring joy to others.
- Learning patience and gentleness, important emotional skills nurtured through calm, attentive interactions.
For Older Residents
- A renewed sense of purpose, knowing the children look forward to seeing them.
- Improved wellbeing and mood, as laughter and youthful energy brighten the day.
- Cognitive stimulation through conversation, singing, and shared activities.
- Reduced loneliness, replaced with new friendships and regular visits to anticipate.
- Opportunities to share wisdom, stories, and experiences that children value deeply.
For the Community
- Bridges between generations, reducing social barriers and building understanding.
- Enhanced community spirit, showing the importance of compassion and connection.
- A model of inclusivity, demonstrating how different age groups can enrich each other’s lives.
🌳 Growing Together
As our tree continues to grow at Nazareth Care Village, so too does our friendship. We are proud of the kindness, curiosity, and love our children show during every visit—and grateful for the warmth and generosity shown by the Nazareth residents and staff.
Here’s to another year of shared stories, songs, and simple but powerful moments together. Our intergenerational programme is more than an activity—it’s a legacy of connection that we hope will continue to flourish for many years to come.
