We thought you might like to know about a unique project we have been involved in for the last eighteen months alongside St Peter’s Church and Balmore Nursing Home. Every week six Year 3 pupils take a bag or box or treasures to the Balmore Nursing Home on Loughborough Road. Together with Mrs Allcock and Rev Buchanan they spend the next half an hour talking to the residents about their treasures and anything else that takes their fancy. We believe that taking part in this project develops confidence, speaking and listening skills and develops a better awareness of elderly people. Pupils can also explore some of the possible barriers to communication and many of the misconceptions younger people often have with regard to older people. We have had many interesting conversations upon our return about conditions such as dementia and hearing loss. Most importantly however, pupils really enjoy their time at Balmore and we think this is because they get to experience that unique warm feeling that comes of doing something for somebody else which is both simple and free – in this case, providing company and conversation.