Babies bring joy to Torquay care home in generational bonding scheme

The young have been meeting the not-so-young to lift the spirits of residents of a Torquay care home.

Erith House in Wellswood is bringing the community together by welcoming mums and their babies as part of a programme to boost wellbeing through intergenerational connections. 

And one resident said: "The sight of those little faces and the sound of their laughter is enough to lift anyone’s spirits."

Mummy and Me, founded by children’s worker, Lena Fearnley is a community led support group for families with babies aged 0 to 12 months.

Along with her colleague Kate Hancox, a perinatal educator, they offer a varied schedule of post-natal education in a fun, safe and friendly environment. 

After recognising the benefits to residents' wellbeing of having visiting babies in the home, manager Sam Vincent reached out to Mummy and Me with hopes to make these visits more regular. 

Sam said: “It was clear that having children, particularly babies within the home was having a noticeable, positive impact on our residents, and research supports this idea.

"These interactions provide an opportunity for social connection, relationship building as well as cognitive stimulation. I was thrilled when Mummy and Me came on board to support our vision.”

Now every fortnight around eight mums and their babies visit the home, participating in sensory activities, games, crafts and singing. 

The resident at the home said: "It’s such a joy when the mums and their little ones come to visit.

"The sight of those little faces and the sound of their laughter is enough to lift anyone’s spirits.

"It takes me back to when I was raising my own children, and I love having a chance to share those memories with the mums.

"It’s wonderful to reminisce about those days and see how much joy the little ones bring to all of us." 

Alongside the residents and babies, this opportunity is also offering a valuable space for the mums who attend.

Lena said: “We have found a lot of our mums have lost those connections to the older generations, either by having children later on in life, or families not living nearby.

"This opportunity is helping to bridge that gap and encourage those interactions.

"We love seeing age barriers reduced by the interaction of babies and the residents in this environment, helping to stimulate the mind and soul and promoting respect and enjoyment of each generation’s company.

"It is amazing to see the friendships that are flourishing.”