Last September, we received news that brought a smile to everyone’s face - our Songs & Smiles project was to reach new people. After 18 months of quiet - when our in-person events were on pause thanks to the pandemic - Guinness Care provided funding to bring our sessions into three of their retirement housing schemes. In January they added a further two settings.

Six months in, we’re ready to tell you all about just how many smiles have been raised and songs have been sung.

Songs & Smiles - Late to the Party?

For those of you reading who’ve never been on the Songs & Smiles guestlist, these events have been bringing the party and forging intergenerational friendships through music, movement and play since 2017. By connecting older people and children aged 0 - 4, older people have a joyful event to look forward to, while our younger participants have come to value older generations and all that they can bring to their lives.

Bubbles are chased, refreshments are served, friendships are formed.
Yet beyond the fun, Songs & Smiles takes on serious social issues - like tackling loneliness and lessening age segregation.

Older people in care homes are more than twice as likely to suffer severe loneliness compared to people living in the community. This bleak outlook became ever bleaker during COVID-19, when 79% of care home managers reported lack of social contact leading to a deterioration in health and wellbeing of residents with dementia.

Now to those Guinness Care residences

Since September, 165 parents/guardians and children have walked or toddled into five Guinness Care settings. Together they’ve wiggled, giggled and made strong friendships with the older residents during 79 sessions of singing, moving and playing.

“As an ex coal miner and soldier, it makes me feel part of a group - I love it!”

- Broadoak Court resident

“Songs & Smiles gets me out to meet others. I enjoy the bubbles and interacting with other generations”

- Cherwell Court resident

For residents like Edith, Songs & Smiles is the highlight of their week, but that also applies to the parents of our tiny participants too.

4.75/5

residents at Brackendale average rating of the statement

“Songs & Smiles gives me something to look forward to”

5/5

residents at Roeacre Court average rating of the statement

“Songs & Smiles made me feel less lonely/socially isolated”

Among the fun, there’s something rather special that happens - friendships are formed - between eight month olds and octogenarians - between toddlers and those born not long after the 20’s of the last century.

100%

of parents/guardians at Roeacre Court and Bickerton Court strongly agreed with the statement

“Songs & Smiles makes me feel more connected to my wider community.”

The parents of Songs & Smiles sessions have also formed bonds with the residents of Guinness Care Homes.

“It's the highlight of our week. We love the singing and dancing, meeting and chatting with new people. There are lots of smiles! Pure joy :-) ”

- Broadoak Court parent/guardian

“Songs & Smiles has a feel good vibe that sets you up for the rest of the day!”

- Brackendale parent/guardian

“I feel it's opened a new world to us after being in lockdown. I was new to the area and it's made me feel so much part of the community. I was so grateful to have this opportunity.”

- Roeacre Court parent/guardian

A HUGE word of thanks…

Without the foundations, trusts and businesses that support us, there would be no songs, no smiles and no heart-warming friendships made. So to The Guinness Partnership, on behalf of all our children, parents and older participants, we say…

The Guinness Partnership provides housing and care to 140,000 customers (and has done since 1890). They also give thousands of pounds to charities each year (we’re among other good work, which includes everything from Food Banks to triathlons).

Want to create more joyful intergenerational connections? You can help us spread cheer and reduce loneliness - come and join the party!

Whether Care Home Manager, parents of a little one or a potential funder, let’s talk about it,
email: louise@thetogetherproject.org.uk

Totting Up the Smiles in Guinness Care residences- An Impact Update