THEY say a picture can paint a thousand words and it is uplifting images like these that perfectly capture the joy the pupils of Muirtown Primary are bringing to the residents of Maple Ridge care home.

Inspired by some of the heart-warming stories highlighting the benefits that have come out of similar projects in other areas, Angela MacRae, manager of the city’s Leachkin Road care facility, joined forces with the school to get the ball-rolling on the worthwhile venture.

She said the get-togethers were now becoming routine and everyone was getting something out of it.

Using the ideas behind cognitive stimulation therapy, the care home residents are benefitting from social interaction with each other as well as from engaging in activities with the children, while the pupils gain from increased interaction with adults.

Mrs MacLeod said: “The pupils of Muirtown Primary are always fantastic hosts and it’s lovely to see the relationships develop. They have met twice before and some of the pupils remembered the residents’ names from those previous visits and this brought great familiarity. “

She went on: “The children are a credit to their school. This positive interaction helps to boost self-esteem and confidence for the residents.”

Michelle Mackay, P5 class teacher, is helping the pupils to organise a soap making venture with the residents and clients of Maple Ridge.

Mrs MacRae added: “They are looking forward to the next visit and to supporting the class with their soap making enterprise.

“It is fantastic to integrate the community in this way.”

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