Generations come together for playgroup sessions

Members of the Crewe community are being invited to a new intergenerational playgroup designed to bring people together and promote relationships between all ages.

‘Across the Generations’ stay-and-play is aimed at parents, guardians, and their little ones, offering them the chance to spend some quality time with older people residing at Belong Crewe care village on Brookhouse Drive. Hosted by the not-for-profit care provider, the free monthly sessions have been made possible thanks to a partnership with St Andrew’s Church.

Launched last month, the meet-ups have already seen children up to the age of five years (and their grown-ups) sharing in activities with Belong residents, including interactive storytelling, singing and making music, and arts and crafts. Many have embraced the simple pleasures of playing together with toys, enjoying snacks and getting to know one another.

One mum said: “I love this initiative so much and I’m going to take some of the craft ideas to do [at home] with my little boy! Keep up the great work everyone!” Another parent added: “What a great idea for all generations.”

Leading the gathering, Jess Butler, experience coordinator at Belong Crewe, said: “Forging connections with the community is a big part of what we do, as well as supporting our residents, and they’ve loved spending time with our little guests – some of them don’t have grandchildren and vice versa, and their interactions and conversations have been wonderful to see and hear.”

The launch is Belong Crewe’s latest venture welcoming local people and follows its recent Christmas Market and Elf Bingo. Earlier in the year, the village held events for Bonfire Night, Armistice Day and Silver Pride, the town’s annual LGBT+ celebrations especially for the over 55s.

Jess Butler continues: “Across the Generations is proving popular so far, and we’re really pleased to be able to offer this invaluable service, especially given the current economic climate. In addition, our village facilities are open to the general public to use – many have been getting together in our onsite bistro for a warm space to meet friends for a coffee. Everyone is always welcome here.”

Across the Generations playgroup takes place once a month at Belong Crewe, Brookhouse Drive, Crewe, CW2 6NA. For more information or to book a place for the next session on January 19^th 2023, contact Jess Butler by calling 01270 561200.

About Belong Villages

Belong Limited is a charitable organisation, operating villages with a range of care, housing and support options for older people, as well as extensive amenities in the village centre. These include bistro, hair salon, specialist exercise studio and function rooms. People can choose to live independently in a Belong apartment or within a supported 24-hour care environment.

Belong specialises in supporting people with dementia, and 24-hour care is provided in extended family-sized households, with modern open plan layouts specially designed around the needs of people with dementia. All employees working in Belong villages are trained in dementia awareness, from domestic assistants through to bistro staff. The organisation is also a registered domiciliary provider and can support people in their own home, through its Belong at Home service.

There are eight Belong villages in Atherton, Chester, Crewe, Didsbury, Macclesfield, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Wigan and Warrington, with two more under construction in Birkdale and Wirral.

For more information, see: 

www.belong.org.uk