Archers Court care home welcomes school visit during Children’s Mental Health Week

Forging connections with the community and promoting positive mental health for all was high on the agenda yesterday, as Orchard Care Homes’ Archers Court, Sunderland, welcomed a visit from local school children during Children’s Mental Health Week.

Pupils and teachers from Mill Hill school, Doxford Park, visited the home in Farringdon armed with books and delighted everyone by reading stories and chatting over tea and biscuits.

Children’s Mental Health week, a national event, runs annually in February to promote healthy minds, so reading to people at the home was the perfect opportunity to connect different generations within the community and build confidence and self-esteem for all.

Sharon Easterbrook-Smith, Manager at Orchard’s Archers Court, says “Mental wellbeing in people of all ages is so important, so we welcome opportunities like this to help connect our people with the local community and the wider world around them. This is especially important for those living with dementia, or who may be less able to get out and about regularly due to mobility difficulties.

“The school children were an absolute delight, and we loved hearing the stories they read and were happy to provide an opportunity for them to build confidence and self-esteem, which is vital for promoting positive mental health. The event was such a wonderful experience and gave a real boost to everyone’s wellbeing and happiness.”