Edinburgh care home brings generations together

A wave of joy and connection has swept through HC-One Scotland's Murrayfield House Care Home, in Edinburgh, as residents and students from Erskine Stewart’s Melville School unite through a vibrant pen pal initiative to celebrate Global Intergenerational Week from April 24 to 30.

Global Intergenerational Week highlights the importance of sharing life stories between those young and old. Global Intergenerational Week celebrates the power of connecting young and old through shared experiences.

The celebrations involved Murrayfield House residents and Erskine Stewart’s Melville School students making and exchanging letters. The home often hosts visits from the school for regular stay and chat sessions, which unite the different generations.

The letter exchange has sparked joy and nostalgia, with residents sharing tales from their rich lives and offering heartfelt support to their young correspondents. Four Murrayfield House residents have become pen pals with students aged 15-16, who are currently studying for their exams.

Murrayfield House residents Nanna Bell, Morna Stewart, Jean Walker, and Rita MacDonald have enjoyed exchanging letters with the students, sharing life stories, words of encouragement, and thoughtful insights. The students have also gained a window into the past and a boost of encouragement as they tackle their studies.

Murrayfield House resident Jean Walker, who is a former teacher and headteacher at Clarebank School in Edinburgh, spent her life dedicated to education and nurturing young minds. Jean earned her teaching qualifications from Moray House School of Education and Sport at the University of Edinburgh and would go on to leave an indelible mark on countless young minds.

She fondly recalls cherishing her experiences teaching students with disabilities and the memories of camping trips. This heartwarming initiative has not only bridged the gap between generations but also filled Murrayfield House with a renewed sense of connection and purpose.

Fiona Truesdale, HC-One Scotland’s Murrayfield House Care Home Manager, stated:

“Our residents light up with every letter they receive, and it’s truly special to see these intergenerational friendships blossom. This initiative has enriched lives on both sides, creating bonds that inspire and uplift.”

Erskine Stewart’s Melville School students visited Murrayfield House on Tuesday, April 22, to meet and connect with individuals they had been corresponding with, bringing their written exchanges to life. During the visit, students and residents engaged in activities such as sharing stories, discussing their letters, and participating in light social events, which enriched both groups’ understanding of each other’s lives.

As the letters continue to fly back and forth, friendships forged through ink and paper are breathing new life into both the care home and the classroom.

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