Pickering and Ferens Homes welcomed a group of very special visitors into one of its sheltered housing schemes over Easter, in a bid to tackle loneliness and isolation issues.
The housing association for the over-60s, which has more than 1,200 properties across the region, asked residents at its Broadway Manor property to invite their grandchildren in to reminisce about Easter in days gone by – as well as meeting the Easter bunny and enjoying a fun-filled afternoon.
Almost 30 children converged on the Holderness Road-based scheme to chat to their grandparents and find out more about what they used to do to celebrate Easter when they were younger.
The housing association is continually developing new, innovative ways of tackling loneliness and isolation issues amongst its residents. Graham King, scheme manager at Broadway Manor, hoped the event would encourage residents to socialise with each other and enjoy the company of their younger relatives.
He said: “We had a very positive response to this event and it encouraged residents who might not normally get involved with communal activities to open their front doors and take part in something new.
“Tackling loneliness and isolation issues amongst residents is a top priority for Pickering and Ferens Homes. It has been identified as a key issue for older people and we are taking a hands on approach to ensuring that any residents who are at risk of being affected are receiving the support they need, and quite rightly deserve.
“The children enjoyed meeting our Easter bunny character and taking part in the fun activities, meanwhile our residents benefited from sharing a special afternoon with their grandchildren and had the chance to socialise and enjoy being with others.”
Eileen Hosie, 88, a resident of Broadway Manor, one of Pickering and Ferens Homes’ sheltered housing schemes based in The Broadway, Holderness Road, east Hull said: “I thoroughly enjoyed seeing my great grandchildren at this event.
“I thought it was a great idea, as it gave residents a reason to come out of their own homes and socialise with others, even if they might not do normally. It was so nice to see so many children here, they brought a bit of life to the place and brightened up my day. I really enjoyed sharing such a special afternoon with my great grandchildren.”
Eileen has 18 great grandchildren in total. Courtney Downing, aged 4, was just one of her great granddaughters who came along to the Pickering and Ferens Homes event. She said: “I had so much fun and enjoyed colouring in, meeting the Easter bunny and doing the competitions. My great grandma even won the Easter Chick teddy, which she gave to me, so I was really happy.”