Students wrote close to 300 thoughtful letters and handmade cards, which were delivered to 20 care homes in our community. These materials — including stationery and postage — were funded through School Fund and our community partner, Tonbridge Rotary Club. This support is essential; without it, programmes like this simply wouldn’t be possible.

For the first time, several care home residents wrote back to our students. Their replies were heartfelt, personal, and deeply appreciated. This unexpected exchange transformed the project from a simple act of giving into a genuine dialogue across generations.

The success of the letter-writing has sparked a series of ongoing intergenerational activities, including:

• Living History Sessions Students visit care homes to talk with residents about their lives, careers, and experiences, gaining insight into local history and personal stories.
• Craft Workshops Collaborative craft sessions encourage creativity, conversation, and social interaction between students and residents.
• Games Club A weekly club where residents teach students classic card games and other activities, building confidence, communication skills, and friendships.

What began as a simple outreach project has grown into a meaningful partnership that enriches both our students and the care home residents. It fosters empathy, communication, and community spirit — values that extend far beyond the classroom.

CAS and Internationalism Coordinator 

This experience was highly rewarding, as the messages reflected our school’s strong sense of community and willingness to help and hopefully brightened the days of the residents of the care homes.

Heidi