GIRVAN Early Years pupils will continue to visit patients at various residential units in the area.

After watching Old People’s Home for Four Year Olds, Alison Milroy, of the Girvan Early Years, thought it would be a good idea to visit units in Girvan and South Carrick.

In November 2017 the kids began to visit Hillcrest, Nursery Court, Trust Housing Association and Boyle Court on a weekly basis for eight weeks.
There were 14 groups with eight to 10 children in each one. One group attended in the morning and the other in the afternoon, visiting a different care home each week.

Alexandra Dunn, of Boyle Court , explained: “The manager with a few of the service users and myself met up to discuss the feasibility of visits from the Girvan Early Years Centre children.

“With the help of our local councillor Peter Henderson we met up. South Ayrshire Council is creating opportunities for older people and younger people to interact positively in their area – in schools and in services for older people.

“Peter was kind enough to fund the transport which ensures the visits and we were keen to get the experience as through intergenerational practices sheltered housing aims to bring groups of people together in purposeful, mutually beneficial activities which promote greater understanding and respect between generations.

“The pupils and service users have enjoyed wonderful visits and so far we have painted, grown plants, completed jigsaws, had fun playing keepy uppy with balloons, produced wonderful artworks for the wall and enjoyed refreshments.

“We really enjoy having them here and have noticed how clever, accepting, polite and age respectful the children are. We are looking forward to many more visits.”

The children still take it in turns to visit Boyle Court every Thursday to benefit them physically and emotionally. 

They hope to visit all the care homes again by August.