Intergenerational projects linking care homes and schools are one of Magic Me’s core programmes
Older people who move into care homes often experience great feelings of loss: of their home, health and independence. Many residents tell us they feel forgotten, cut off from the wider community and social activities they have known all their lives. Confidence is knocked and people withdraw.
Magic Me offers new activities and a change of pace. Young people bring fresh energy and ideas, encouraging their older partners to join in. Magic Me artists are experienced in devising intergenerational projects that cater for diverse groups. Children are carefully prepared and practise communication techniques so they are ready to meet people who have had strokes, with dementia or sensory impairments. They reflect regularly learning much about themselves as well as the residents.
When you come we know we are not forgotten
Silk Court Resident
Residents told us they also wanted evening activity, to relieve the boredom between dinner and bed. We set up in 2010 providing monthly parties in care homes across London, hosted by young adult volunteers.
Our pioneering Artists Residencies programme has brought immersive theatre, alternative cabaret, performance art, circus and aerial work from four of the UK’s leading performing arts organisations into care homes for the first time, and continues to grow.