'Beautiful friendship' forms between students and care home residents

Why it matters: The five-week collaboration between Suffolk Rural College and Mills Meadow care home demonstrates how intergenerational relationships can enrich lives on both sides, while helping to tackle stigma around dementia.

The big picture: Students from the college's community life skills course have been visiting the care home in the run-up to Christmas, engaging in activities from cooking to crafts, while forming meaningful connections with residents.

What they're saying: "Intergenerational relationships have proven to be enriching for both young and older people, as they provide an opportunity for the different generations to learn from each other," said Pauline Mortimer, Day Centre Manager at Mills Meadow.

On the ground: Jack Horlock, 19, from Ipswich, has found personal growth through the programme. "I've enjoyed it. It's helping me to learn how to look after older people," he said. "My favourite moment was playing darts. I've learnt lots of new skills. It's good to help your community."

Looking ahead: The partnership is set to continue into the new year, with plans for care home residents to visit the college campus. "We are hoping that the care home will come to the college in the future to have a look around and see all of the animals we have," said Jess Mckenna, inclusive learning lecturer at Suffolk Rural.

Bottom line: What started as a volunteer work initiative has blossomed into what Mills Meadow calls a "beautiful friendship" between the generations, proving that age is no barrier to forming meaningful connections.