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Bridging the generation gap - through play

Thursday, 12 June 2025 14:31

By Gareth Joy X @lookoutwales2

VOG Council

A residential home in Penarth has been building relationships beween the youngest and oldest members of the community through play.

Tŷ Dewi Sant runs weekly Flying Start sessions bringing together toddlers and their parents with residents as part of an initiative described as both heartwarming and inspirational.

They began in January when the home's manager reached out to staff at Vale of Glamorgan Council with the idea of a pilot scheme.

Clare O'Toole said: "You see the difference in the residents, in how they are – they'll kneel on the floor and play with the children – whereas you'd never imagine that they would be able to do that at other times."

"Having the children there just gives them the energy and motivation to want to do that."

"It is the highlight of the week, they all look forward to the children coming in, it really lifts their mood – and in the afternoon then, you'll go around and you'll hear the residents chatting about the time they've had with the babies."

The hour-long play sessions have since gone beyond the initial six-week trial and are now held every Tuesday morning during term time.

The Flying Start team, who developed the initiative alongside Tŷ Dewi Sant, says they clear social and emotional benefits to everyone involved.

Kim Jones, an early years practitioner who runs the sessions, said: "It's also about encouraging parents to come with their little ones and it's a lovely way for parents to meet other parents."

"There may be a difference in situations,  some of them may be isolated and not confident yet to attend larger groups."

"But doing it here is the most heartwarming thing I think I've ever done. The residents come in, and it's about how they engage, how they interact, how they love singing and how the parents respond to them too - it just is a feel-good group."

"It's grown too – as with any stay and play session, it's when parents can come - because they all have busy lives – but if they're able to come along, even if they weren't able to stay the full hour, they can just pop in."

"Some of the mums have experienced difficult things with grandparents and some of the children may not have grandparents who live local either."

"Some of the residents may not see their family all the time, and it probably brings back memories of their children, their grandchildren, when they were little, so it can only have a positive effect all around."

Cllr Eddie Williams, cabinet member for social care at Vale of Glamorgan Council, added: "This is a truly inspiring initiative that embraces community, connection, and compassion."

"Intergenerational programmes like this are proven to benefit everyone involved - they reduce isolation among older residents, support children's development, and provide a welcoming space for parents and carers."

"We are incredibly proud to support this scheme and look forward to seeing it flourish even further."

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