Sunninghill: Glencairn residents to become 'honorary grandparents'

Since February, form four pupils at Sunninghill Prep School and residents at Glencairn House - both in Dorchester - have become 'buddies'.

They visit and chat together, read stories, played games, bake and generally enjoy a friendship. 

This also included taking part in activities and playing games.

Students even interviewed residents about their lives, writing biographies of Glencairn residents from their interviews.

Residents at the care home were even invited to Sunninghill's productions of Moana, to ‘Sunninghill’s Got Talent’ and for afternoon tea.

Now with the school year coming to a close the 'buddies' have once more been invited to the school for a special Grandparents Day on Monday, June 26.

The owner of Glencairn House Residential Care Home, Ralph Saunders is pleased with the buddy scheme and the positive impact it has had on residents. He said: "I have expressed our admiration for Sunninghill pupils before, and their enthusiasm and kindness were once again on display for all to see.

"Some of the attendees were more engaged and animated than we have seen them before, and we have the wonderful Sunninghill children to thank for that. The children have injected joy and enthusiasm into the life of the home on every visit and we thank you all most sincerely."

David Newberry, Head at Sunningill, said: "One of our core values at Sunninghill is compassion, and this project has been a great way for our children to give their time and in turn benefit from the friendships that have developed over the past six months.

"Our buddies have shared their knowledge and life experiences with our children and we have all loved being involved with such a wonderful project."

As one of the children said: "We laugh and have fun and talk to each other. I have the best buddy ever!"

On 'Grandparents Day' students and residents will enjoy musical performances and afternoon tea.