by Helen Robins, Senior Support Worker
At Lifelong Learning in Milton Keynes, we have been wanting to connect with our neighbours now the weather has improved.
We thought about connections we had before Covid and got in touch with an care home for older people which was just around the corner, Neath House Care Home.
I was pleased to speak with the same activity coordinator from six years ago and they remembered us. We asked if there was anything to do together and invited people to come to the learning centre for an afternoon tea to chat about it.
Everyone at the learning centre loves a quiz and so we did a family fortune type one. We bought scones as our oven is out of action and put tables outside and in the shade because it was such a lovely day.
We enjoyed it so much that we suggested having a monthly get together to have a regular coffee afternoon. People said that they would like to do bingo and also just have the chance to chat. Ideally outside if the weather is good!
Sara absolutely loved chatting to an older person who had moved to the UK after she met a British prisoner of war and got married. She said “I like Anna!” and would love to see her again. The feeling was mutual and it was lovely to see this friendship develop.
The group talked about getting together and celebrating VE day and using it as an opportunity for people to share their memories and connect.
We reached out to Bletchley Park and they sent a family ticket as a raffle prize. We made bread and butter pudding and carrot cake. We spent time making new friends and remembering old friends together.
The mayor (pictured) came along and said
Such lovely decorations, everyone's put in so much work
We had a great time together on VE Day - it’s lovely to make new friends.
