Community Matters: Magical Easter celebrations for young and old

This year, Easter came early for the residents at Kenneth Court sheltered accommodation complex in Shiphay and 60 year-two school children from Exe Hill Academy in Shiphay as the two groups came together to celebrate the holiday in a heartwarming intergenerational event.  

Held on a beautiful, sunny day with clear blue skies, the Easter Egg Hunt provided a perfect opportunity for the community to bond, share stories and enjoy a day filled with laughter and joy.

The freshly mowed lawn at Kenneth Court set the scene for a magical Easter celebration.  The children arrived, filled with excitement, ready for the Easter Egg Hunt.  

As they ran across the lawn, searching high and low for the brightly coloured chocolate eggs, the residents cheered them on from the sidelines, the sight of the children’s eager faces and warmth of the residents’ encouragement made for a truly special atmosphere.  

One of the highlights of the day was the arrival of a very special guest – Patrick the Pony.  Patrick, a calm and friendly pony, was a hit with both the children and residents, the residents delighted in petting him and having their photos taken with him.  

Patrick’s gentle nature added an extra layer of joy on the day’s events.

After the egg hunt, the children took part in a lovely activity where they read stories to the residents, providing an opportunity for both generations to share and foster a special connection between the young and older residents.

The day ended with refreshments in the community lounge area, where both children and residents enjoyed an array of cakes.  The cheerful chatter and laughter filled the room as children received their own Easter Eggs as a parting gift, some of which had very kindly been donated by the residents,  a lovely reminder of the day's events.

Participating in this local easter egg hunt with school children offers numerous benefits for metal health and well-being, both for the children and the community.  Engaging in outdoor activities like this promotes physical exercise, which is known to boost mood and reduce stress.  

For the children, it provides an opportunity to build social skills through teamwork and communication while fostering a sense of community.  For the adults interacting with the children can promote a sense of purpose and connectedness.  

It helps reduce feelings of isolation and increases positive emotions.  Additionally, these community events often strengthen social bonds, offering an inclusive environment where people from different backgrounds, young and older, can unite, promoting emotional well-being and improving overall mental health in a fun and supportive setting.