Patients with dementia have collaborated with primary school students in southeast London as part of an initiative aimed at alleviating loneliness and enhancing cognitive abilities.
Youngsters from St James the Great school and residents from the Greenhive care home in Peckham gather at a local library, where they exchange classic tales and utilize immersive lighting and audio storytelling to foster connections.
John Ramsay, the project’s creator, expressed that the goal is to “reduce the stigma surrounding dementia” and to focus on care that transcends physical or medical needs.
“It’s about bringing joy, focusing on their emotions, fostering engagement, and sharing smiles and love,” he noted.
He emphasized the importance of discovering ways to interact with the world while living with cognitive impairments, including bridging gaps between generations.
According to Ramsay, the initiative known as Social Ability equips children with the tools to engage effectively with older individuals experiencing cognitive difficulties, a condition that may impact their own grandparents or parents.
He remarked, “We often tend to shut people in, which only exacerbates the isolation felt by those with cognitive impairments.”
Brenda, a resident of the care home, shared how the interactions boost her emotional wellbeing:
“It’s wonderful for them; it keeps them happy and active. I’m enjoying it. It’s heartwarming to see their smiles.”
“I get along well with kids and I love spending time with them,” she added.
Mercy Mautsi, the care home manager, called the project “refreshing,” noting that “many young children are unfamiliar with what a care home is like and often have misconceptions about individuals with dementia.
“Without this initiative, both Brenda and the children would be stuck with a limited perspective of care homes as places where elderly people merely sit around. This experience allows them to communicate, build friendships, and understand one another better.”
One of the participating students, Angel, expressed that she felt “deeply connected” to Brenda.
“I saw her playful side when she was engaging with us,” she said.
“I truly hope this brings joy to Brenda, and I wish she could visit the library every day, or at least once a week.”
