A SCHOOL renowned for its empathy has reached out once again into the community, this time to help people living with the impact of dementia.
Twice winners of the prestigious Global Empathy Award, Reid Street Primary School, Darlington, staged an afternoon of fun in an inter-generational initiative for those diagnosed with dementia, their carers and other interested groups.
Old-school games, such as puzzles and noughts and crosses, knitting and nattering and a rousing sing-song, led by St Cuthbert’s Church community musical director Megan Rawling, put smiles on the faces of young and old.
Visitors were also treated to refreshments and goody bags of crafts made by the schoolchildren.
Principal Paula Ayto said: “As a school we love community projects and it was heart-warming to see the generations mixing so well. We have had a theme running all year asking ‘what is my spark’ and our spark is that we want to do as much as we can for the community.
“A lot of our children have trained as dementia friends and are in the dementia choir. We also supported Dementia Friends of Darlington’s Dementia Has Got Talent concert, which was absolutely brilliant. Community is our superpower and this event successfully celebrated generational diversity.”
Dementia advisor for the Alzheimer’s Society Jo Bennett said: “Mixing with the young really helps people with dementia. Children don’t stigmatise dementia, they are not afraid to engage with older people and love hearing their stories. And everyone enjoys a sing-song.”
Rory Rimmer, 10, added: “It is nice to talk to people from the older generation and playing old-style games was a lot of fun.”