A PROJECT which was set up for children to engage with residents from care homes has been nominated three times for a Worcestershire Education Award.

Kirsten Reeves, owner of Debutots Worcestershire, was inspired to set up the project Joining Generations with Imagination after she visited her grandmother in a care home and saw the positive impact it had on residents to when children visited.

Mrs Reeves, from Worcester, said: “I wanted to create something special which would encourage lots of interaction between the generations whilst also encouraging friendships to develop. The Debutots formula works brilliantly as stories are so powerful and are the ideal common ground to bring generations together.”

Mrs Reeves, who works in 13 residential care homes, has been nominated for the Community Involvement Award.

The 45-year-old said: “I am absolutely thrilled to have received so many nominations and it is wonderful that the project Joining Generations with Imagination is getting this kind of recognition.

“I am extremely grateful to all of the schools, nurseries and residential care homes in the local community who have embraced and participated in the sessions with such enthusiasm. Their belief in the huge benefits for both the children and the residents is the driving force behind the project’s growth and success.

“Everybody involved looks forward to the sessions so much and the rooms are always filled with laughter, chatter and people of all ages playing and having fun together. A wonderful and sometimes extremely moving sight to behold.”

One of Mrs Reeves’ sessions has been featured on a news report for the BBC Midlands Today.

Kathryn King, whose parents are residents at a care home that takes part in the project, said:

“I feel that for the community, young and old, this is such a special way of bringing the generations together. To attend a session fills the hearts of all involved with hope and love.”

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