CHILDREN from Knights Templar C of E and Methodist First School have been visiting Magna tenants at Ingrams Meadow, in Watchet, to build relationships between the generations and to raise awareness of dementia.

Schools in the area have been learning about dementia as part of a county-wide scheme called The Archie Project, an intergenerational dementia awareness community project that is designed to make towns and villages dementia friendly.

Margaret Tatham, an Alzheimer's Society Dementia Friends champion and the lead person of the Watchet Dementia Action Alliance, helped to bring the project to Watchet.

Mrs Tatham said: “Last year when I met Fiona Mahoney from The Archie Project, I realised that it was something we could have here in Watchet and asked her if she would be prepared to do it.

"She agreed, so I managed to get a grant from Somerset County Council, whilst Fiona gained funding through a very generous grant from the Rotary Club.”

Richard Cross, extra care scheme manager at Magna, said: “Children from the school have been visiting our elderly residents, to sing songs and to chat with them, which everyone really enjoys.

"At Magna, we try to support the communities we are based in, and this was a great way of joining forces for a worthy cause. We hope to see the children again at Christmas for some carol singing.”

Frances Burns, head teacher at Knights Templar C of E and Methodist First School, said: “We as a school are involved in The Archie Project to help children understand the older generation and especially those who may have dementia.

"As a school, we focus on the importance of empathy and showing care to all and this project really supports this aim in a genuine way.”

You can find more information about The Archie Project online at http://www.reminiscencelearning.co.uk/archie.