How was this partnership formed?

 

This partnership began when Ailsa from the DYW team met with Monkbarns where it was discovered they would like to do more with young people to try and get them interested in a career in care.

After a call out to schools, Arbroath Academy expressed an interest so were connected up. This led to various meetings and projects being formed. It was evident that this would lead to a partnership between the two with plans being made for the following academic year.

 

How did the project come about?

 

It was during some of these meetings that the projects were discussed, planned and then over the course of the year, implemented.

 

Monkbarns have been creating inter-generational working between themselves and Arbroath by working on several projects within the care home, and awareness sessions within the school to help the pupils understand the medical and sensory conditions of the residents.

 

They have completed;

  • An awareness session at the Academy to highlight what it would be like to have dementia using equipment and props.
  • Career talks about working in the care sector around activities such as nursing, care, management, catering and being a dementia ambassador, which assisted with the pupil’s curriculum.

 

In return the pupils visited Monkbarns with home baking and service as part of their Home Economics lesson.

 

Monkbarns hosted a music concert at Christmas which was prepared by pupils for the residents. They are in the process of creating an art project where the pupils will be creating murals, digital art and sensory boards for the residents.

 

There are future plans for a garden project where the pupils will work alongside the residents in designing and planning the garden including designs for the wall.

 

Outcome of the project

 

Monkbarns have made a fantastic community link which has led to a positive well-being for both their residents and the pupils of Arbroath Academy. It has encouraged thoughts, questions and increased awareness from the pupils around Dementia and Care.

 

The residents of Monkbarns have enjoyed the company of the younger generation when they have come to interact with them as part of the project. With the current and future projects, Monkbarns is hoping to see changes in residents well-being and increased understanding and breaking down the barriers between the generations. This project is good example of intergenerational working with positive outcomes.