Building a grand-family at Halcyon House

Connecting local children and older people in Formby

Abbeyfield’s mission is centred on supporting people in later life, yet we are equally passionate about playing an active role in the wider community. By bringing people of all ages together, we see first-hand how these friendships brighten the lives of everyone involved.

At Halcyon House in Formby, this philosophy has come to life through an intergenerational project that brings local children and residents together.

The birth of the Grand-Family

Every Thursday afternoon, the quiet of the house is replaced by the energetic chatter of a local nursery school. Since the autumn of 2024, these weekly visits have become a staple of the activity calendar, managed by our activities coordinator, Helena Bradshaw.

The impact was immediate. Helena recalls, “When I arranged the first visit, the residents were probably more excited than the children! The children were perhaps a little nervous, but soon everyone was playing together, and they were happy to approach a resident with a toy or a book.”

Because the sessions happen weekly, natural bonds have formed. Some children now have specific friends among the residents whom they gravitate towards the moment they walk through the door. This connection is so strong that the children have even given the residents a special name, referring to them as their "Grand-Family."

Discovery through play and craft

These sessions offer residents a chance to engage in activities they might not usually consider. While an older person might feel hesitant to sit and play with Lego or draw on their own, the enthusiasm of a child makes it a natural and joyful experience. For residents who may not receive frequent family visits, these afternoons provide a vital link to the younger generation.

During arts and crafts, the roles are often reversed. Helena explains, “With the arts and crafts activities especially, everyone can get involved. Some of the older children can even teach our residents how to make things if they’ve done it before!”

The group also celebrates milestones together. This past Christmas, the residents were treated to a musical performance by the children, who had also made a calendar for each of them for the New Year and decorations for their Christmas tree.

A stronger local community

The influence of the Grand-Family extends far beyond the walls of Halcyon House. These regular sessions have raised awareness in the Formby area, encouraging parents and grandparents to attend our public events. It has turned the house into a community hub where residents are not just neighbours, but are looked upon as part of an extended family.

As Helena notes, “It’s great to see the smile on everyone’s face when Thursday afternoons come around, and they are genuinely excited to see each other.” This sight illustrates the power of bringing different ages together.

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