Exciting project at Rhyl care home to connect young and older

'Story Pals' are cut outs decorated by residents to look like them.

The creations are part of an exciting project - between the home, artists, and a school, which is currently ongoing at St David's. 

St David's 'Story Pals'. (Image: St David's Residential Home.)

During November and December, the assited living facility is working with Jo McGregor, community Arts Project Co-ordinator at Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, artist Jude Wood and children at Ysgol Dewi Sant in Rhyl.

Given an insight into the project, Siân Jones, business manager at St David’s Residential Home, said: "The project involves professional artists working with residents of a care home and with a small school group to develop a relationship between the two but using stories and painting rather than meeting in person [due to the ongoing risks of Covid].

Andrew with his 'Story Pal'. (Image: St David's Residential Home.)

"The artist visits the school and the care home each week, and takes the work between the two, with the older people adding to the work created by the young people, and vice versa. 

"At the end of the project, the two groups do meet, but in a safe setting – this has been outside over the summer months but we would have to look at other options for a winter project."

Valerie with her 'Story Pal'. (Image: St David's Residential Home.)

Prior to starting project, the children undertook 'Dementia Friends' session. 

Sian added: "One of the aims is to help the children build awareness of the condition. Not all the elderly participants have dementia, but all are living in care settings."

The 'Story Pals' will be sent off to Dewi Sant and attached will be 'back stories' from residents.

The children at Dewi Sant will then send their drawings and art to residents. 

All parties involved in the project have three more sessions to look forward to.