The presence of older people in care homes and assisted living schemes during Songs & Smiles sessions can have a positive impact on the emotional wellbeing of little ones in several ways.

They say no news is good news but we say good news is fantastic!

Our good news is we have been awarded GrandNanny’s 2023 Intergenerational Innovation award, in recognition of our hard work to reconnect communities across the generations.

We all thrive on connection, it is what makes us human. The chat over the fence with a neighbour, a wave hello on the school run or a friendly exchange in the shops. These small everyday connections help us to feel happier and less lonely.

In April we celebrated with a party to reflect on some of our achievements and to introduce our ambitious new five-year strategy!

The benefits of Songs & Smiles go way beyond the hour-long session. Here, we shine a spotlight on some of the important – and often unseen – ways in which your visit with your child will impact people’s lives.

When the benefits of intergenerational activities are discussed, the emphasis is often placed on outcomes for the older participants. But at Songs & Smiles we know that all three generations involved gain a huge amount – children, their parents/guardians and the care home residents.

Evaluating the impact on care home residents at risk of social isolation and those living with dementia.

Karolina, Activities Coordinator at Ross Wyld Care Home, and residents Jim and Sheila, talk about the impact that Songs & Smiles has had on the home.